A major operation against Naxalism has resulted in the surrender of 29 Naxals in Chhattisgarh, with the events unfolding in Dantewada and Narayanpur. Among those who surrendered was a Naxal carrying a substantial reward of ₹55 lakh. These individuals chose to give up their weapons in the face of security forces. Specifically, 21 Naxals surrendered in Dantewada, and 8 in Narayanpur. The 13 Naxals who surrendered in Dantewada were collectively carrying rewards totaling ₹25.50 lakh.
In Narayanpur, the eight Naxals who surrendered were associated with rewards amounting to ₹30 lakh. The individuals who surrendered included prominent figures like Sukhlal Jurri, Himanshu Midiyam, Kamla Gota, and Raju Podiyam. The government’s rehabilitation policy provides surrendered Naxals with financial support of ₹50,000 along with other forms of assistance.
The surrender of these 29 Naxals in Dantewada and Narayanpur is attributed to ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh and the implementation of development initiatives like Niyad Nellanar. These efforts are contributing to a sense of fear among Naxals and a growing inclination to abandon their groups. According to official data, over 390 Naxals, including 99 with rewards, have surrendered in Dantewada in the last 18 months.
This year, a total of 148 Naxals have surrendered to security forces in Narayanpur district. These individuals are accused of various offenses, including attacks on police personnel and involvement in activities such as road-digging, tree-felling, and the display of Naxal banners and posters during a Naxal bandh.
In August of the previous year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the nation would be completely free from Naxalism by March 2026, during an event held in Raipur. Shah acknowledged that significant measures against Naxalism have been implemented since the BJP government took office in Chhattisgarh. He further highlighted the arrest, surrender, or elimination of 2,619 Naxals within a year from December 2023. He also pointed out a 70% decline in fatalities resulting from Naxal violence and the liberation of several states from Naxal influence.