Bijapur district witnessed a historic moment as 30 hardcore Maoists, comprising 10 men and 20 women from the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, surrendered en masse. Timed perfectly with President Murmu’s Bastar tour, this development underscores the effectiveness of Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal strategy.
These cadres, who occupied senior roles like DKMAS and KAMS presidents alongside party members and commanders, carried a combined reward of Rs 85 lakh. In a gesture of commitment, they deposited explosives including 50 gelatin sticks and a wire bundle with security personnel.
Senior officers, including DIG BS Negi and SP Dr. Jitendra Yadav, oversaw the ceremony. The surrender is attributed to relentless efforts by specialized units such as DRG, CSTF, CoBRA, and others, who combined aggressive operations with community outreach to foster surrenders.
‘Maoism’s deceptive violence has no future,’ stated SP Yadav, praising the ‘Puna Margem’ rehabilitation program for providing vocational training, financial aid, and psychosocial support. IG Pattalingam noted the shrinking Maoist influence due to expanded security presence, road connectivity, and welfare projects, signaling the group’s impending collapse.
An urgent call went out to holdouts: embrace peace through ‘Puna Margem’ for a brighter life. Statistics are telling – 918 surrenders, 1,163 apprehensions, and 232 eliminations in Bijapur since early 2024. With Rs 50,000 upfront aid and ongoing legal rehabilitation, the state is scripting a new chapter of peace in Naxal heartlands.