In a major development for security forces in Chhattisgarh, 41 Maoist cadres have surrendered in the Bijapur district. The scale of the surrender is amplified by the fact that 32 of these individuals carried a combined bounty of Rs 1.19 crore, indicating their high-ranking positions within the Naxalite movement. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, with the cadres relinquishing their weapons before police leadership.
Officials attribute this mass defection to the success of the government’s comprehensive surrender and rehabilitation policy. The ‘Poona Margham’ initiative, which aims to provide former militants with support for social and economic reintegration, has also been instrumental. The surrendering Maoists have pledged their allegiance to the Indian Constitution and expressed a desire to live peacefully and securely.
The organizational depth of the surrendered group is notable. Thirty-nine of the 41 cadres were linked to the south sub-zonal bureau of the CPI (Maoist). Their operational reach included the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, the Telangana State Committee, and key divisions in Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Nuapada.
The financial rewards associated with these cadres underscore their former roles. Nine individuals each had an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Other surrendering members carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh, reflecting various levels of responsibility within the Naxalite structure.
This event contributes to a significant trend of Maoists abandoning violence. In Bijapur district, 790 cadres have surrendered since the beginning of 2024. This is coupled with ongoing efforts against insurgents, resulting in 202 deaths and 1,031 arrests during the same timeframe. Police are actively encouraging remaining Naxalites to avail themselves of the rehabilitation programs and return to society.