In a major boost for counter-insurgency efforts, fifteen Naxalites surrendered to security forces in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The group, which included five women and members of the PLGA, carried a substantial combined bounty of Rs 48 lakh, with nine individuals being specifically rewarded. This surrender marks a significant win for law enforcement and state development initiatives.
According to officials, the surrendered individuals met with top police and CRPF officers in Sukma. They expressed that the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to development and rehabilitation had deeply influenced their decision to leave the armed struggle. Key government schemes, such as ‘Niyad Nellanar’ for rural infrastructure and the ‘Poona Margham’ policy offering social reintegration, were highlighted as crucial factors.
The surrendered cadre included several high-value targets. Notably, Madvi Sanna (28) and his wife Sodi Hidme (25), along with Suryam alias Ravva Soma (30) and his wife Meena alias Madvi Bhime (28), were all hardcore PLGA members with individual bounties of Rs 8 lakh. The ranks also included two individuals wanted with Rs 5 lakh bounties, one with a Rs 3 lakh reward, and two others carrying Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh bounties.
As part of the state’s rehabilitation package, each surrendering Naxalite received an immediate payout of Rs 50,000, with further support promised for their reintegration into society. This event aligns with a broader trend, as Chhattisgarh has witnessed over 2,150 Naxalite surrenders in the last 23 months, signaling a decline in Maoist influence due to effective development and rehabilitation strategies.