Dantewada, Chhattisgarh witnessed a substantial Naxal surrender on Sunday, with 37 operatives choosing to abandon their armed struggle. Notably, 27 of these individuals were wanted with a combined bounty of Rs 65 lakh, highlighting the significance of this event. The surrender ceremony was conducted in front of high-ranking police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers, operating under the “Poona Margem” program. This initiative is central to providing former Naxalites with pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The group included 12 women, demonstrating that the surrender initiative is reaching diverse segments of the Naxal movement. Key figures who surrendered included Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. These individuals were each associated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty, indicating their prominent roles in the organization.
Under the state’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy, every individual who surrenders is entitled to immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Furthermore, they receive support for skill development, access to agricultural land, and various other resources aimed at facilitating their successful reintegration. Officials emphasized that the Bastar Range Police’s “Poona Margem” initiative is a critical factor in achieving sustainable peace, fostering respect, and driving development in the region.
This recent wave of surrenders is part of a larger trend. Over the last 20 months, more than 500 Maoists, including 165 who carried bounties, have returned to mainstream society in Chhattisgarh. The cumulative number of surrenders in the state over the past 23 months exceeds 2,200, encompassing many top leaders. The national goal to end Naxalism by March 2026 is being actively pursued through such initiatives.