In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, 28 Naxalites laid down arms and surrendered to authorities. The group included 22 individuals who collectively carried a bounty of Rs 89 lakh, highlighting their importance within the Maoist hierarchy. Nineteen women were part of this significant surrender, signaling a growing disillusionment with the extremist ideology.
Officials attribute this mass surrender to the success of the state government’s proactive development and rehabilitation initiatives. Specifically, the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) scheme, which aims to bring essential development projects to remote and conflict-affected areas, has resonated with local populations. Furthermore, the newly introduced surrender-and-rehabilitation policy, along with the ‘Poona Margham’ program designed for the societal reintegration of former Maoists, has provided a credible path forward.
The surrendered group included four hardcore members, such as Divisional Committee member Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh, and members of Military Company No. 6, Dule Mandavi alias Munni, Chhattis Poyam, and Padni Oyam. Each of these individuals carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Several others, including area committee members like Lakhmu Usendi and Sukmati Nureti, also surrendered, with bounties ranging from Rs 5 lakh each.
Three surrendered cadres also handed over valuable weapons, including a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle. These individuals will now benefit from the state’s rehabilitation policy, receiving support to rebuild their lives and integrate back into mainstream society. This event marks a major success for law enforcement and development efforts in the region.