In a significant boost to peace efforts in Chhattisgarh, 37 Naxal operatives laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities in Dantewada on Sunday. The group included 27 individuals who were carrying substantial bounties, totaling Rs 65 lakh, underscoring their former influence within the Naxal movement. The surrender ceremony was conducted under the “Poona Margem” initiative, a government program designed to support the rehabilitation and social reintegration of surrendered militants, in the presence of senior police and CRPF personnel.
The surrendered cadre also included 12 women, indicating the broad scope and effectiveness of the rehabilitation efforts. Among the notable individuals were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these prominent cadres had a bounty of Rs 8 lakh on their heads, making their surrender a particularly noteworthy achievement for law enforcement.
Under the state government’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy, those who surrender are provided with immediate financial assistance amounting to Rs 50,000. This is complemented by crucial support such as skill development training, allocation of agricultural land, and ongoing aid to facilitate their return to mainstream society. The Bastar Range Police’s “Poona Margem” initiative is being recognized as a key driver for bringing peace, fostering respect, and spurring development in the region. This recent success follows a strong trend, with over 500 Maoists surrendering in the past 20 months, including 165 who carried bounties. The collective efforts across Chhattisgarh have seen over 2,200 Naxals surrender in the last 23 months, contributing to the national goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 2026.