In a significant development for peace in Chhattisgarh, 37 Naxal operatives surrendered in Dantewada on Sunday. This mass surrender included 27 individuals who were collectively carrying bounties totaling Rs 65 lakh, underscoring their involvement in significant insurgent activities. The surrenders occurred in the presence of senior police and CRPF officials, facilitated by the “Poona Margem” initiative. This program is specifically designed to aid in the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former Naxal members. The group comprised 12 women, indicating the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the surrender initiative.
Among the prominent figures who laid down arms were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these key cadres was previously marked with an Rs 8 lakh bounty, signifying their importance within the Naxal hierarchy.
The Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy offers substantial support to those who choose to leave the armed struggle. Surrendering individuals receive an immediate payment of Rs 50,000, alongside access to skill development training, agricultural land, and comprehensive assistance for their return to mainstream society. Police officials noted that the “Poona Margem” initiative, driven by the Bastar Range Police, is proving instrumental in fostering lasting peace, respect, and development in the Naxal-affected regions.
This recent surrender adds to a growing trend, with over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, having surrendered in the past 20 months alone. The broader impact is even more substantial, with more than 2,200 Naxals, including high-ranking leaders, surrendering in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months. These efforts align with the central government’s ambitious target to eradicate Naxalism nationwide by March 2026.