National News: In Chhattisgarh, 78 Maoists including 43 women surrendered surpassing authorities in Sukma, Kanker, and Kondagaon. This came just a day without 61 Maoists led by senior leader Bhupati surrendered in Gadchiroli. Officials tabbed this a major setback for Naxalism, with rebels withdrawing weapons and choosing rehabilitation. The government says this reflects growing trust in state policies.
Sukma sees key desertions
In Sukma district, 27 Maoists including 10 women surrendered. Sixteen among them carried a joint bounty of 50 lakh. Police confirmed they were disillusioned with Maoist ideology and rejected violence. They cited atrocities on innocent tribals and found hope in the government’s “Niyad Nellanar” scheme. Security officials hailed this as proof that developmental outreach is paying results.
Notorious leaders surrender rewards
Among those surrendering was 53-year-old Oyam Lakhmu, a member of Battalion No. 1, with a bounty of 10 lakh. Three women cadres with rewards of up to 8 lakh moreover surrendered. All were provided 50,000 firsthand assistance under the rehabilitation policy. Authorities said this step would not only save lives but moreover inspire increasingly rebels to quit.
Kanker records massive group surrender
Kanker district saw the largest surrender, with 50 Maoists including 32 women giving up arms. Two senior members of the Dandakaranya Special Regional Committee were part of the group. They handed over 39 weapons including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, and machine guns. Security officials said this marked a big victory for coordinated operations and long-term pressure on Maoist ranks.
Kondagaon commander joins mainstream
In Kondagaon, a woman Maoist commander Geeta plume Kamli Salam, delivering a 5 lakh reward, surrendered. Once a leader of the East Bastar division’s tailor team, she chose to leave without seeing minutiae schemes goody her community. Authorities said her surrender carried symbolic weight, as sexuality commanders often motivate cadres and communities in remote regions.
Over 2,000 Maoists surrendered recently
Since December 2023, increasingly than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed this as a turning point in the fight versus extremism. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for driving the mission of a Naxal-free India by 2026. The CM supposed that Naxalism is now in its “final stages.”
Security forces credit policy and development
Officials said the surrender wave is the result of both resulting security pressure and welfare schemes. Minutiae programs, infrastructure growth, and rehabilitation packages have reduced Maoist influence. The recent surrenders show the weakening ideological hold of extremists. Analysts suggest that if this trend continues, inside India may soon be self-ruling from the decades-long Naxal threat.
