Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district witnessed a major surrender on Wednesday, with 41 Naxalite operatives choosing to abandon their armed struggle. The group included 12 women, and impressively, 32 of them were wanted with a collective bounty totaling Rs 1.19 crore. These individuals formally surrendered before senior police authorities.
District Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav stated that the decision to surrender was influenced by the state’s attractive rehabilitation policy and the ‘Poona Margham’ program, designed to reintegrate former Maoists into society. The success of these programs has been a key factor in persuading cadres to leave the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organization.
The surrendered cadres held various positions within the Maoist hierarchy. Their roles ranged from members of PLGA battalion no.1 and its companies to area committee members, platoon commanders, and militia members. A significant majority, 39 out of 41, were linked to the south sub-zonal bureau, with connections to critical committees and regional divisions like Dandakaranya and Telangana.
The financial value placed on these surrendered individuals highlights their past influence and operational capabilities. Nine Maoists individually carried an Rs 8 lakh reward, with others bearing bounties of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh. These surrenders are seen as a major success for law enforcement in the region.
Following the surrender, the cadres affirmed their commitment to India’s Constitution and expressed their desire for a secure and upright life. Under the state’s rehabilitation scheme, they were immediately provided with Rs 50,000 each. This event contributes to a larger trend, with 790 Maoist cadres having surrendered in Bijapur district since the beginning of 2024, signaling a weakening of the Maoist movement in the area.