Chhattisgarh records biggest Maoist surrender, 78 cadres including women abandon arms and join mainstream

National News: In Chhattisgarh, 78 Maoists including 43 women surrendered before authorities in Sukma, Kanker, and Kondagaon. This came just a day after 61 Maoists led by senior leader Bhupati surrendered in Gadchiroli. Officials called this a major setback for Naxalism, with rebels abandoning weapons and choosing rehabilitation. The government says this reflects growing trust in state policies.

Sukma sees key desertions

In Sukma district, 27 Maoists including 10 women surrendered. Sixteen among them carried a collective bounty of ₹50 lakh. Police confirmed they were disillusioned with Maoist ideology and rejected violence. They cited atrocities on innocent tribals and found hope in the government’s “Niyad Nellanar” scheme. Security officials hailed this as proof that developmental outreach is paying results.

Notorious leaders surrender rewards

ॉAmong those surrendering was 53-year-old Oyam Lakhmu, a member of Battalion No. 1, with a bounty of ₹10 lakh. Three women cadres with rewards of up to ₹8 lakh also surrendered. All were provided ₹50,000 immediate assistance under the rehabilitation policy. Authorities said this step would not only save lives but also inspire more rebels to quit.

Kanker records massive group surrender

Kanker district saw the largest surrender, with 50 Maoists including 32 women giving up arms. Two senior members of the Dandakaranya Special Regional Committee were part of the group. They handed over 39 weapons including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, and machine guns. Security officials said this marked a big victory for coordinated operations and long-term pressure on Maoist ranks.

Kondagaon commander joins mainstream

In Kondagaon, a woman Maoist commander Geeta alias Kamli Salam, carrying a ₹5 lakh reward, surrendered. Once a leader of the East Bastar division’s tailor team, she chose to leave after seeing development schemes benefit her community. Authorities said her surrender carried symbolic weight, as female commanders often motivate cadres and communities in remote regions.

Over 2,000 Maoists surrendered recently

Since December 2023, more than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed this as a turning point in the fight against extremism. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for driving the mission of a Naxal-free India by 2026. The CM declared that Naxalism is now in its “final stages.”

Security forces credit policy and development

Officials said the surrender wave is the result of both consistent security pressure and welfare schemes. Development programs, infrastructure growth, and rehabilitation packages have reduced Maoist influence. The recent surrenders show the weakening ideological hold of extremists. Analysts suggest that if this trend continues, central India may soon be free from the decades-long Naxal threat.