In a pivotal moment for Chhattisgarh’s security landscape, 51 Naxalite members have surrendered to security forces in Bijapur district. The surrendered group featured 20 individuals with a significant combined bounty of Rs 66 lakh, reflecting their previous positions within the movement. This large-scale surrender, including nine women, is a strong endorsement of the government’s strategy to counter Naxalism through rehabilitation and development. According to local police, the Maoists were drawn to the positive impact of development work and the supportive rehabilitation policies offered by the state. They chose to end their involvement in violence as part of the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ program, spearheaded by the Bastar Range Police to facilitate reintegration into society. The surrendered individuals were drawn from crucial Naxalite formations, such as PLGA battalion 01, company units, and local organization squads. Their departure from the ranks is expected to have a considerable impact on the Maoist network’s operational capacity in the region. The ‘Poona Margem’ initiative continues its successful run, with Bijapur reporting 650 Maoist surrenders since January 2024.
