Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district is reporting a major success in counter-insurgency efforts with the surrender of 41 Maoist cadres. The group, which includes 12 women, laid down their weapons on Wednesday, with intelligence indicating that 32 of them were wanted with a combined bounty exceeding Rs 1.19 crore. This mass surrender is seen as a testament to the effectiveness of state policies aimed at de-radicalization.
According to police authorities, the decision to surrender was driven by the allure of the state’s progressive rehabilitation policy for former insurgents. The ‘Poona Margham’ campaign, designed to facilitate social reintegration for those leaving militant groups, also proved to be a significant factor. The cadres expressed their commitment to living peacefully and legally under the Indian Constitution.
The surrendered individuals held significant positions within the Maoist structure. Thirty-nine belonged to the south sub-zonal bureau, with ties to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, Telangana State Committee, and regional units in Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Nuapada. Their roles spanned from PLGA battalion members to militia commanders and area committee operatives.
Financial incentives were a key component of the surrender. Nine former Maoists each had an Rs 8 lakh bounty on their heads, with others carrying rewards of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh. Each surrendered cadre also received an immediate Rs 50,000 incentive as per the rehabilitation scheme.
This latest group brings the total number of Maoists who have renounced violence and joined mainstream society in Bijapur to 790 since the start of 2024. Police continue to urge remaining insurgents to consider surrendering, highlighting the benefits of the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative for a secure and self-reliant future.