Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh has witnessed a major blow to Naxal activities with the surrender of 28 Maoists. Among them were 22 key operatives, on whom a staggering Rs 89 lakh in rewards had been announced. This mass surrender, which included 19 women, underscores the effectiveness of the Chhattisgarh government’s approach to tackling left-wing extremism.
The surrendered cadres cited their confidence in the government’s commitment to development and rehabilitation as the primary reason for their decision. The ‘Niyad Nellanar’ initiative, focused on delivering development projects to the most inaccessible villages, and the ‘Poona Margham’ program, designed to facilitate the reintegration of former Maoists, have played crucial roles. These policies offer a clear and supportive pathway for individuals seeking to leave the armed struggle.
Among the prominent surrenders were four hardcore members. Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh, a Divisional Committee member, and three others from Military Company No. 6—Dule Mandavi alias Munni, Chhattis Poyam, and Padni Oyam—each had a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, several area committee members, including Lakhmu Usendi and Sukmati Nureti, who were carrying Rs 5 lakh bounties, also surrendered. The police are processing all individuals under the state’s rehabilitation policy, offering them assistance for a fresh start.
This significant surrender was further bolstered by the recovery of multiple weapons, including an SLR, an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle, handed over by three of the surrendering cadres. This event is seen as a major victory for peace and development in the region.