Raipur, October 17, 2025 / Today is a historic day not just for Bastar, but for all of Chhattisgarh and the country. 210 Maoist cadres, who lived under the shadow of violence and fear for years, have decided today to lay down their arms and embrace the constitution under the “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation for Revival” program. This marks the beginning of a new era of peace, trust, and development in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said this while addressing a press conference organized in Jagdalpur today.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the youth who were once entangled in the web of the false ideology of Maoism are today returning to the mainstream of society by placing their faith in the power of democracy, the ideals of the constitution, and the sensitive policies of the state government.
It is noteworthy that among the 210 surrendered Maoist cadres, there is one Central Committee member, four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members, one Regional Committee member, 22 Divisional Committee members, 61 Area Committee members, and 98 party members. A total reward of Rs 9 crore 18 lakh was declared on them.
During the ceremony, 210 Maoist cadres surrendered a total of 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47s, 17 SLRs, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, 4 carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 shotguns, and one pistol.
Chief Minister Shri Sai described this occasion as one of the most emotional and satisfying moments of his life. He said that the youth who laid down their guns and embraced the constitution have sown the seeds of peace and unity in Chhattisgarh’s future. This is proof that change comes through policies and trust, not through fear and violence.
Initiatives of the state government like the “Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025”, “Niyad Nellnar Yojana”, and “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation for Revival” are proving to be a solid foundation for change today, not just in Bastar, but across Chhattisgarh. These schemes have established dialogue, empathy, and development in place of guns and gunpowder.
Chief Minister said that this unprecedented surrender is the result of joint efforts by the central and state governments. The coordinated and sustained efforts by the police, security forces, local administration, social organizations, and civil society in making this change possible are a milestone in the history of Bastar.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this scene is an inspiration not only for Bastar but for the entire India – that if the intention is clear and policies are people-centric, then the end of violence and the beginning of peace are possible. The Chief Minister said that this mass surrender is the biggest success in the history of the anti-Naxal operation in Bastar.
Chief Minister said that this surrender is a decisive step towards eradicating the root of violence. “In Abujhmad and North Bastar, where fear once ruled, trust now reigns. Those who were hiding in the forests yesterday are today participating in nation-building,”
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it is the firm resolve of the double-engine government to make Chhattisgarh completely free from Naxalism. He said – “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the leadership of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, we are moving rapidly towards this goal. This transformation in Bastar is proof of that resolve.”
He said that the state government is fully committed to the rehabilitation and resettlement of the surrendered cadres. Each individual will be provided with opportunities for self-employment, training, housing, education, and livelihood so that they can live a dignified life and play an active role in the development of society.
Chief Minister said that this surrender is an extension of the core spirit of “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation for Revival”, which conveys the message that the path to change is not violence, but trust. This program will now bring new energy towards rehabilitation, education, health, and livelihood improvement in the entire Bastar region.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this historic event proves that when government policies are sensitive and people-centric, even the most difficult problems can be solved. He said – “Our goal is not just to end Naxalism, but to build a new Bastar – where every home is filled with trust and every mind with the light of development.”
The Chief Minister thanked the people of the region, public representatives, media, security forces, and civil society for becoming partners in this transformation. He said that this journey of peace, development, and prosperity will be sustainable only when every section of society embraces this spirit of change.
He said that the state government will transform Bastar into a self-reliant region through new industries, better education, health, and connectivity. Along with the greenery of the forests, the lives of the youth here will also be illuminated.
Chief Minister said that this is the moment in Bastar’s history when the “echo of development” is being heard in place of the “echo of guns”. This is the rebirth of Bastar, where now not fear, but trust and fraternity will prevail.
Finally, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said – “This is not just a surrender, but a journey of awakening. This is Chhattisgarh’s new identity – of peace, trust, and development. In the coming times, Bastar will not only be Naxal-free but will become a model of peace and transformation for the country.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Arun Sao and Shri Vijay Sharma, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Deo, Director General of Police Shri Arun Dev Gautam, ADG CRPF Shri Amit Kumar, ADG BSF Shri Namgyal, ADG (ANO) Shri Vivekananda Jha, IG Bastar Range Shri Sundarraj P, Superintendents of Police of all districts of Bastar, and senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces were present.