The surrender was facilitated by the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative, a program designed to encourage rehabilitation and the social reintegration of former Naxal cadres. Police Superintendent Gaurav Rai confirmed that the group comprised 12 women, underscoring the initiative’s broad appeal and inclusive strategy. This initiative aims to foster lasting peace, respect, and development in the region.

Among the surrendered, several high-profile Naxals were identified, including Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these individuals reportedly carried an individual bounty of Rs 8 lakh, highlighting their former roles within the Naxal hierarchy.

Under the state government’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy, every surrendering cadre receives immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Furthermore, they are provided with access to skill development training, agricultural land, and other essential support mechanisms to aid their transition back into mainstream society. This policy is crucial for ensuring their successful reintegration and preventing a return to their former activities.

Authorities have noted a considerable increase in such surrenders. In the past 20 months alone, over 500 Maoists, including 165 individuals with declared bounties, have chosen to abandon their armed struggle and rejoin society. The Bastar Range Police’s proactive approach, spearheaded by initiatives like ‘Poona Margem’, is proving instrumental in this peace-building effort. The national goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026 continues to drive these state and central government efforts.

Senior police and CRPF officers received the surrendered cadres. The group comprised 12 women, demonstrating the initiative’s broad appeal and inclusive strategy. Notable figures among the surrendering Naxals included Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these key individuals was previously associated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty.

The Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy offers substantial support to those who choose to lay down arms. Surrendering individuals receive an immediate sum of Rs 50,000, along with access to skill development training, agricultural land, and various other resources aimed at fostering their successful reintegration into society. This comprehensive approach is proving effective in dismantling extremist networks.

Authorities view the Bastar Range Police’s ‘Poona Margem’ initiative as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace, promoting respect for law, and driving development in the Naxal-affected areas. In the last 20 months alone, over 500 Maoists, including 165 with prior bounties, have voluntarily surrendered and returned to mainstream life. These efforts are crucial as the national objective to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026 intensifies.

The group of 37 comprised 12 women, reflecting the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the surrender initiative. Among the high-profile cadres who laid down arms were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, each previously designated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Their surrender represents a major success for law enforcement in the region.

Under the Chhattisgarh government’s progressive rehabilitation policy, each surrendering individual receives immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Further support includes vital skill development training, access to agricultural land, and comprehensive assistance to help them reintegrate successfully into mainstream society. Police officials highlighted that the “Poona Margem” initiative, driven by the Bastar Range Police, is proving instrumental in fostering lasting peace, respect, and development across the affected areas. Over the past 20 months, more than 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, have embraced this path back to society. These efforts are part of a larger national agenda, with the central government aiming to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, having seen over 2,200 Naxals surrender in Chhattisgarh alone in the last 23 months.

Williams’ withdrawal came on the eve of the tournament in Harare amidst concerns over potential anti-doping testing. Following an investigation, he disclosed his battle with substance abuse. Zimbabwe Cricket emphasized its expectation of professionalism and discipline from all contracted players, particularly concerning team protocols and anti-doping regulations.

The board’s statement highlighted a pattern of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability in Williams’ record, which had negatively impacted team preparations and performance. While acknowledging his decision to seek rehabilitation, Zimbabwe Cricket expressed serious concerns about professional and ethical standards raised by his withdrawal under such circumstances. Consequently, the decision has been made to cease national selection for Williams, and his contract will not be renewed upon its expiration on December 31, 2025.

Williams, who debuted in 2005, had a distinguished international career, representing Zimbabwe in 24 Tests, 164 ODIs, and 85 T20Is. He amassed 1946 Test runs, 5217 ODI runs, and 1805 T20I runs, scoring 14 centuries and 56 half-centuries across formats. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Zimbabwean cricket.

The surrender ceremony was attended by DIG (Dantewada Range) Kamlochan Kashyap, IG (CRPF Sector) BS Negi, and Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav. All the Naxalites were provided a check for an immediate assistance amount of 50,000 rupees under the new surrender and rehabilitation policy of the Chhattisgarh government.

SP Yadav said that the government’s policy is encouraging Maoists to return to the mainstream. The families of those who surrendered want them to live normal lives. He appealed to the remaining Naxalites to return to their families and society. According to the authorities, 410 Naxalites have surrendered in Bijapur district alone this year, while 421 Naxalites have been arrested and 137 Maoists have been killed.

Several major Naxalite commanders were also among those who surrendered on Thursday. These included Lachhu Punem alias Santosh, the communication commander of the Southern Sub-Zonal Bureau; Guddu Farsa alias Vijay of Company No. 10; and Bhima Sodhi alias Kamal Singh/Sukhdev, the PPCM and security guard commander. A reward of eight lakh rupees was declared on each of these three. In addition, area committee leaders, RPCs, militia commanders, and members of the Janatana Sarkar were also among those who surrendered.

According to the police list, most of the Naxalites belong to the Muriya tribe and are between 18 and 40 years old. They are associated with the rural areas of the Bhairamgarh, Gangalur, and Nelsonar police station areas.

The Chhattisgarh government implemented a new Naxalite surrender and rehabilitation policy in 2025, with the aim of making the state Naxal-free by March 2026.

Plans for the Naxalites upon surrender include a maximum assistance of 5 lakh rupees for land and housing, an immediate incentive of 50,000 rupees, and special schemes for the education and employment of the Naxalites’ children. Those with a reward of 5 lakh or more will receive residential land in urban areas or agricultural land in rural areas, or property assistance of 2 lakh rupees. Unmarried, widowed, or widower Naxalites will receive assistance of 1 lakh rupees for marriage within three years. Police personnel and other individuals who help in the surrender will receive 10 percent of the declared reward amount or a maximum of 5 lakh rupees. If all the Naxalites surrender from a panchayat area, 4 crore rupees will be approved for development work there. In the case of mass surrender, the incentive amount will be doubled. Those who recover weapons and explosives will be given a separate amount of reward.

According to the Bijapur police, frustration has increased in the Maoist organization due to the continuous loss of leadership, internal differences, the impact of road and development works, and the increasing actions of the security forces. The central government has set a target to eliminate Naxalism from the country by 2026, due to which the campaign has been intensified. The establishment of new security camps, road schemes, and community policing have encouraged Naxalites to surrender. The joint action of DRG, District Force, STF, and Cobra Battalion has also played a major role in this.

These Naxalites took the step to surrender, influenced by the Chhattisgarh government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyat Nellanar scheme. The government has sent a clear message that those who want to leave the path of violence and join the society will not only receive respect, but also a new life. Those who surrendered were given an incentive of 50,000 rupees. Those who surrendered with weapons were given additional rewards, such as 15,000 for an LMG and 10,000 for an IED.

According to officials, the situation has changed so much today that the Naxalites who surrender have become the strength of the security forces. They have been included in the District Reserve Guard (DRG), and their local experience is proving to be the biggest asset for the security forces.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai called this surrender a victory of peace and development on Vijayadashami. He said that the Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyat Nellanar scheme have instilled faith in the hearts of the people. The surrender of 103 Naxalites in Bijapur is proof of this. Our goal is to make Chhattisgarh completely Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.

In Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, 71 Naxals surrendered, laying down their arms before Superintendent of Police Gaurav Roy and CRPF officials. These surrendering Naxals include 30 Naxals with rewards totaling 64 lakhs. All these Naxals have surrendered under the Loan Varraatu campaign. This information was provided by Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai himself.

Continuous search operations by security forces in Naxal-affected areas are now showing results. Naxals are surrendering in the face of the government’s strategy and the extraordinary courage of the security forces. Recently, 71 Naxals surrendered in Dantewada and are joining the mainstream. This is considered a major achievement for the security forces and the government.

According to information, all these surrendered Naxals were involved in many incidents. Now, these surrendered Naxals will be provided assistance for skill development. Along with this, daily necessities were provided to the surrendered Naxals by the district administration under the rehabilitation scheme.

Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai informed that a total of 71 Naxals surrendered, influenced by the ‘Rehabilitation to Rebirth’ campaign and the Loan Varraatu campaign. These Naxals include 30 Maoists with rewards totaling 64 lakhs. Among these surrendering Naxals, there are 21 women and 50 men.

Additionally, the cabinet addressed the matter of three prize militants of the JJMP being killed in an encounter with the police in Gumla, Jharkhand.

The plan is to protect 575.19 square kilometers of the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary. In this area, the villages of Ankuwa, Samta, Karampada, Gudlibag, Trikoshi, and Thalkuwad of West Singhbhum district will be protected as part of the sanctuary. This information was provided by Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel to journalists after the cabinet meeting. A total of 27 proposals were approved in the cabinet meeting.

It is noteworthy that the Saranda forest wildlife area is considered a golden treasure of life. Here is home to the endangered flying lizard. This area is rich with more than 40 species of mammals, 162 species of birds, nine species of amphibians, and 33 species of reptiles. The wild elephants here are also famous across the country.

Furthermore, the state government will rehabilitate 780 families affected by the Mandal Dam and Palamu Tiger Project. The cabinet approved this. The cabinet will provide ₹15 lakh and one acre of land to each of these displaced families.

The cabinet also extended the service of assistant police personnel in the state for one year. This service extension was given according to the previous terms and conditions of all these assistant police personnel. All the conditions included in the previous resolution regarding their appointment will remain the same. Approval of ₹97 crore 65 lakh 82 thousand 500 was given for the construction of the building of the Government Polytechnic College located in the capital Ranchi.