Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district has witnessed a major success in combating Left Wing Extremism with the surrender of 51 Naxalite members. Among the significant numbers, 20 individuals were carrying a collective bounty amounting to Rs 66 lakh, indicating the value placed on their apprehension. This event also saw the surrender of nine women cadres, a growing demographic in such rehabilitation efforts.
The surrendered Maoists were drawn to the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ program, a strategic initiative by the Bastar Range Police aimed at guiding Naxalites back into mainstream society. According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav, the cadres were persuaded by the government’s successful rehabilitation framework and the tangible development taking place in the region.
Yadav expressed optimism, stating, “This surrender is a significant step in our sustained campaign to eradicate Naxalism through peaceful resolution and developmental progress.” The surrendered cadres were affiliated with crucial Maoist units, such as the PLGA battalion 01 and various platoon and local organisation squads. Their decision to surrender is projected to significantly weaken the Maoist network’s presence and influence in the affected areas.