Chhattisgarh witnessed a large-scale surrender of Naxal operatives on Sunday, with 37 individuals choosing to abandon their armed struggle and return to society in Dantewada. A remarkable aspect of this surrender was the presence of 27 cadres who bore bounties totaling Rs 65 lakh, indicating their former prominence within Naxal hierarchies. The ceremony took place before distinguished police and CRPF officers, operating under the “Poona Margem” scheme. This initiative is dedicated to providing a supportive framework for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former militants.
The surrendered group included 12 women, signifying the initiative’s success in reaching diverse segments of the Naxal movement. Noteworthy among the surrendering individuals were prominent figures like Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, each previously marked with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Their decision to surrender marks a significant blow to Naxal operations in the region.
Offered a new beginning, these individuals will benefit from the state government’s rehabilitation package. This includes an immediate payment of Rs 50,000, vocational training opportunities to enhance their employability, assistance with agricultural land, and ongoing support to ensure their smooth transition back into civilian life. Police officials emphasized that the “Poona Margem” program is a crucial element in the Bastar Range Police’s strategy to establish enduring peace and foster development. This success builds upon previous efforts, with over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, having surrendered in the last 20 months. Nationwide, over 2,200 Naxals have surrendered in Chhattisgarh in the past 23 months, aligning with the central government’s ambitious goal to end Naxalism by March 2026.