In a significant development for peace in Chhattisgarh, 37 Naxal operatives surrendered to authorities in Dantewada on Sunday. This mass surrender included 27 individuals who collectively carried bounties amounting to Rs 65 lakh, underscoring their past involvement in militant activities. The surrenders occurred in the presence of senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (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 of 37 comprised 12 women, reflecting the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the surrender initiative. Among the high-profile cadres who laid down arms were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, each previously designated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Their surrender represents a major success for law enforcement in the region.
Under the Chhattisgarh government’s progressive rehabilitation policy, each surrendering individual receives immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Further support includes vital skill development training, access to agricultural land, and comprehensive assistance to help them reintegrate successfully into mainstream society. Police officials highlighted that the “Poona Margem” initiative, driven by the Bastar Range Police, is proving instrumental in fostering lasting peace, respect, and development across the affected areas. Over the past 20 months, more than 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, have embraced this path back to society. These efforts are part of a larger national agenda, with the central government aiming to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, having seen over 2,200 Naxals surrender in Chhattisgarh alone in the last 23 months.