In a promising turn of events, 28 Naxalites, including 22 individuals with a collective bounty of Rs 89 lakh, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. This mass surrender signifies a growing trust in the state government’s initiatives aimed at fostering development and ensuring successful rehabilitation. The surrendered cadres, among them 19 women, were reportedly motivated by the tangible progress brought by schemes like ‘Niyad Nellanar’, which extends development to the most remote and conflict-ridden villages. Furthermore, the ‘Poona Margham’ program, designed to facilitate the smooth reintegration of former Maoists into society, has proven effective. The group included four high-value hardcore members, such as Divisional Committee member Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh and three others from the East Bastar division’s Military Company No 6, each carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward. Several area committee members, with Rs 5 lakh bounties, also joined the surrender. The successful operation also led to the recovery of significant weaponry, including an SLR, an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle. Authorities have confirmed that all surrendered individuals will be supported under the state’s rehabilitation policy, enabling them to build a new life free from violence.
