Dantewada, Chhattisgarh: A substantial number of Naxal operatives, totaling 37, laid down their arms and surrendered in Dantewada on Sunday. This group is particularly noteworthy as 27 of them were wanted with bounties amounting to Rs 65 lakh, signaling a significant blow to extremist activities in the region. The surrender took place under the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative, a state-backed program focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to police officials, the surrendering Maoists presented themselves before high-ranking police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers. The group’s diversity is underscored by the inclusion of 12 women. Among the prominent cadres who surrendered were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, all of whom carried individual bounties of Rs 8 lakh.
To facilitate their return to society, the Chhattisgarh government provides a robust rehabilitation package. Surrendering Naxals are entitled to an upfront payment of Rs 50,000, coupled with vocational training to acquire new skills. Additionally, support for agricultural pursuits and other reintegration assistance ensures a smoother transition back into civilian life.
This success is part of a larger trend, with over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, surrendering in the past 20 months. The Bastar Range Police’s proactive approach through initiatives like ‘Poona Margem’ is instrumental in this progress. The state and central governments are committed to eradicating Naxalism, with a national target set for March 2026. In total, over 2,200 Naxals have surrendered in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months.