Dantewada, Chhattisgarh – A total of 37 Naxal operatives surrendered on Sunday, marking a significant victory for peace initiatives in the region. The group included 27 individuals who were collectively carrying bounties worth Rs 65 lakh. The surrenders were conducted under the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative, aimed at fostering rehabilitation and social reintegration, before senior police and CRPF officers.
Police Superintendent Gaurav Rai stated that the surrender event was successful and that the initiative is proving effective in encouraging Naxals to return to mainstream society. The group comprised 12 women, demonstrating the broad reach of the rehabilitation program. This initiative is seen as crucial for bringing lasting peace, respect, and development to the area.
Among those who surrendered were prominent Naxal cadres, identified as Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these individuals had an Rs 8 lakh bounty on their head, indicating their senior positions within the Naxal hierarchy.
The state government’s rehabilitation policy provides a strong incentive for surrender. Each cadre receives an initial Rs 50,000 upon laying down arms, along with access to skill development programs and support for agricultural land. These provisions are designed to empower them to build new lives and contribute positively to society.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the growing number of surrenders. In the last 20 months, over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, have rejoined society. The Bastar Range Police’s commitment to peace through such programs is yielding substantial results. The national aim to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026 is being significantly supported by these state and central government actions, with over 2,200 Naxals surrendering in Chhattisgarh in the past 23 months.