In a significant development for counter-insurgency efforts, 50 Maoist cadres, including a substantial contingent of 32 women, have surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. The group laid down 39 weapons during the ceremony, marking a notable blow to Naxal activities in the region. Officials are optimistic, anticipating further surrenders, with approximately 120 more cadres expected to do the same in Bijapur by Thursday. The surrender occurred at the Kamtera camp of the Border Security Force’s 40th Battalion, located within the Koyalibeda police station limits. This event is seen as a major success in dismantling the Maoist network operating in the Maad region. Among the prominent figures to surrender were senior Maoist commanders Rajman Mandavi and Raju Salam, along with several DVCM-rank leaders and 21 ACM-level cadres, including Nande, the wife of Rajman Mandavi. This influx of surrenders is expected to positively impact ongoing anti-Maoist operations. This marks the initial wave of surrenders from the northern Maad region, with security agencies actively encouraging more cadres to return to mainstream society through intensified outreach programs.
