Raipur, October 17, 2025/
The state government’s comprehensive anti-Naxal policy and continuous efforts focused on peace, dialogue, and development have resulted in a historic success for the anti-Naxal operation in the Bastar division today. Under the ‘Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Revival’ program, 210 Maoist cadres from the Dandakaranya region have decided to abandon the path of violence and return to the mainstream of society.
This surrender signals a new dawn for Bastar, moving towards trust, security, and development. This historic development in the Abujhmad and North Bastar regions, long affected by Maoist activities, will be recorded as a decisive turning point in the history of the anti-Naxal operation.
The comprehensive anti-Naxal policy adopted by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has laid a strong foundation for lasting peace in the region. Through coordinated efforts of the police, security forces, local administration, social organizations, and vigilant citizens, the culture of violence has been transformed into a culture of dialogue and development.
This is the first time in the history of the anti-Naxal operation that such a large number of senior Maoist cadres have surrendered together. Among those who surrendered are a Central Committee member, four DK SZC members, 21 Divisional Committee members, and many other senior Maoist leaders. These cadres have surrendered a total of 153 sophisticated weapons—including AK-47, SLR, INSAS rifles, and LMGs. This is not just a surrender of weapons, but a symbolic end to an era of violence and fear—a declaration that heralds the beginning of an era of peace and trust in Bastar.
Prominent Maoist leaders returning to the mainstream include CCM Rupesh alias Satish, DK SZC members Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi, Ranita, Raju Salam, Dhannu Vetti alias Santu, RCM Ratan Elam, and several other wanted and rewarded cadres. All of them have expressed faith in the Constitution and pledged to live a dignified life within the democratic system.
This historic event took place at the Jagdalpur Police Line premises, where the surrendered cadres were welcomed with the traditional ‘Manjhi-Chalki’ ritual. They were honored with a copy of the Constitution and a red rose, symbolizing peace, love, and a new beginning.
Speaking as the chief guest, Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Arun Dev Gautam said, “’Puna Margem’ is not just an attempt to distance oneself from Naxalism, but an opportunity to give life a new direction. Those who have returned today will become messengers of peace, development, and trust in Bastar.” He called upon the surrendered cadres to channel their energy into nation-building.
Present on this occasion were ADG (Naxal Operations) Shri Vivekananda Sinha, CRPF Bastar Range In-charge, Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Bastar Range IG Shri Sundarraj P., Collector Shri Harish S., all Superintendents of Police from Bastar division, senior officials, and representatives of social organizations.
During the program, the police department provided information about rehabilitation assistance, housing, and livelihood schemes to the surrendered Maoists. The state government is committed to connecting these youths with self-employment, skill development, and education so that they can lead self-reliant and dignified lives.
Manjhi-Chalki representatives stated that the tradition of Bastar has always conveyed messages of love, coexistence, and peace. The comrades who have now returned will bring new strength to this tradition and further strengthen the foundation of trust in society.
At the end of the program, all surrendered cadres expressed their allegiance to democratic values by taking an oath to the Constitution. They pledged to contribute towards development and nation-building instead of violence.
The program concluded with the resounding chant of ‘Vande Mataram.’ This moment has become symbolic not just of the surrender of 210 Maoist cadres, but of the beginning of a new era of trust, development, and peace in Bastar.