Seventy-One Naxals Surrender credit ai
National News: In a major breakthrough for anti-Naxal operations, seventy-one Maoists laid down their arms in Dantewada. Police confirmed that fifty men and twenty-one women were among those who surrendered. Out of them, thirty were listed as wanted with cash rewards declared. The cumulative bounty on these militants reached 6.4 million rupees, highlighting the significance of this surrender for security forces in the region.
Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai explained that the Naxals were motivated to surrender due to increasing fear of encounters and the growing effectiveness of rehabilitation campaigns. The “Lone Varatu” (Come Back Home) and “Poona Nargem” (Rehabilitation for New Life) initiatives directly influenced their decision. Police added that the consistent pressure from forces has left surrender as the only viable option for those still active in Maoist groups.
Several high-profile Maoists were part of this surrender. Baman Madkam, who carried an eight lakh bounty and was involved in multiple ambushes since 2011, gave up arms. Shyamila alias Somli Kawasi, wanted with a five lakh reward for destroying property and attacking police forces, also surrendered. Two more women, Rohini Barse and Kavita Madvi, each with five lakh bounties, joined the list, marking a major setback for the Maoist cadre.
The large number of women in this surrender is being seen as significant. Twenty-one women, many of them involved in violent incidents, stepped forward. Police highlighted that women often hold key logistical and operational roles within Maoist ranks. Their surrender weakens the organizational structure of the group and reduces its ability to recruit and mobilize.
Bastar IG Sundarraj P stated that this development has created fear and confusion in Maoist camps. He emphasized that security operations combined with rehabilitation offers are working effectively. With fewer active cadres and increased desertions, the Maoist network in Dantewada is visibly shrinking, making it difficult for them to execute coordinated attacks against security forces.
Several of the surrendered individuals were directly linked to ambushes and attacks across Dantewada and surrounding districts. From burning mobile towers to damaging government property, they were accused in numerous cases. Some were present in deadly encounters in 2014, 2021, and 2024 where both security personnel and civilians lost lives. Their surrender brings long-awaited relief to many affected villages.
For the people of Bastar, this mass surrender is a ray of hope. Locals who once lived in fear now believe the region is moving toward peace. Authorities reassured that surrendered Maoists will be rehabilitated under government schemes, helping them reintegrate into society. With such a large number giving up arms, confidence in the government’s anti-Naxal strategy has strengthened, paving the way for long-term stability.
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