In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, 41 Naxalite cadres, including 12 women, have laid down their arms. Officials confirmed that a substantial portion of the surrendered individuals, 32 in total, were carrying a combined bounty of Rs 1.19 crore, highlighting their importance within the banned Maoist outfit. The surrender ceremony took place on Wednesday, with the cadres turning themselves in to senior police officials.
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav attributed the surrender to the effectiveness of the government’s new rehabilitation policy and the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative, a rehabilitation drive aimed at social reintegration for Maoists in the Bastar region. This policy has proven successful in encouraging cadres to abandon their violent path.
The surrendered individuals were involved in various capacities within the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and other wings of the Maoist organization. This included members of battalion no.1, different companies, area committees, platoon and area committee members, militia platoon commanders, and deputy commanders. Notably, 39 of the 41 cadres belonged to the south sub-zonal bureau, with affiliations to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, Telangana State Committee, and specific regional divisions.
Many of the surrendered Naxalites carried significant rewards on their heads. Nine individuals alone had bounties of Rs 8 lakh each. The total reward amount underscores the operational significance of these cadres. The surrendered Maoists have pledged their allegiance to the Indian Constitution and expressed a desire for a peaceful and dignified life.
As part of the rehabilitation package, each surrendered cadre received an immediate incentive of Rs 50,000. This surrender marks a continued trend of Maoist cadres renouncing violence in Chhattisgarh. Since January 2024, a total of 790 Maoist cadres have reportedly surrendered in Bijapur district alone. This initiative is supported by the state government’s commitment to providing a secure and self-reliant future for those who choose to reintegrate into society.