NewKerala.com

12 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh, Hand Over AK-47s & Explosives

Twelve Maoist cadres from the South Sub-Zonal bureau surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, laying down arms including AK-47 rifles. The group, on which rewards totalling Rs 54 lakh were declared, also handed over a significant cache of explosive materials. The surrender was conducted under the state's 'Poona Margem' rehabilitation initiative before senior police officials. This event is part of a larger trend in Bijapur, where hundreds of Maoists have returned to the mainstream this year.

Key Points: 12 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur District

  • 12 cadres surrender in Bastar
  • Rs 54 lakh total reward on them
  • AK-47s and explosives recovered
  • Part of state's 'Poona Margem' rehab policy
2 min read

12 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

12 Maoist cadres, including 8 women, surrender in Bastar, handing over AK-47s, SLR rifles, and explosives. Over Rs 54 lakh in rewards declared on them.

"marking a new beginning of trust and mainstream integration - State Initiative"

Raipur/Bijapur, Feb 5 Twelve Maoist cadres from the South Sub-Zonal bureau surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Thursday, under the state government's 'Poona Margem

Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation' initiative, marking a new beginning of trust and mainstream integration.

The group, comprising eight female and four male cadres, laid down arms, including three automatic weapons such as AK-47 and SLR rifles, along with ammunition.

A total reward of Rs 54 lakh had been declared on them based on their positions and roles in the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation.

They voluntarily handed over additional explosive material, including 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, one plastic drum of gunpowder, and one bundle of cordex wire.

Among the surrendered cadres was Somdu Madkam, a 42-year-old Darbha Division DVCM (divisional committee member) and Katekalyan Area Committee in-charge, carrying Rs 8 lakh reward, who laid down an AK-47 and one magazine.

Other notable surrenders included Hungi Kunjam alias Soni, a 19-year-old battalion No 1 Party Member carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, Payki Kunjam, a 22-year-old company No. 02 Party Member carrying Rs 8 lakh, and Ayati Madkam alias Punni, a 24-year-old North Sub Zonal Bureau PPCM (Platoon Party Committee Member) with Rs 5 lakh prize.

Several area committee members (ACM), party members, and PLGA members also joined, with rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The surrender occurred before Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, and other senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police CRPF, Ops Bijapur Sector officers, and Superintendent of Police Bijapur Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav.

Necessary legal processes for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society are underway, with provisions for financial assistance, skill development, and support as per the state's policy. This development is hailed as a significant achievement in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign.

Since January 1, 2024, in Bijapur district alone, 888 Maoists have returned to the mainstream, 1,163 have been arrested, and 231 have been killed in encounters.

The state government's comprehensive strategy combining security operations, dialogue, development initiatives, and attractive rehabilitation packages has steadily eroded the influence of violence, replacing fear with opportunities for progress. Officials attribute the growing trend of surrenders to sustained pressure from security forces, the establishment of camps in remote areas, and the effectiveness of 'Poona Margem', which has encouraged numerous cadres across Bastar to abandon armed ideology.

The event underscores collective efforts by police, central forces, local administration, and citizens in fostering lasting peace and development in the region.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Seeing 8 women among those who surrendered is significant. Often, they are the most vulnerable and trapped in these situations. I hope the rehabilitation program has special provisions to support them genuinely, not just on paper. Their integration back into society will be a true test of this policy's success.
R
Rohit P
The numbers are telling: 888 surrendered, 1163 arrested, 231 killed in just Bijapur this year. While surrenders are good, the encounter deaths are tragic. The security forces are doing their duty, but we must ask why so many of our own youth are still taking up arms? The root causes in those remote villages need more attention.
A
Aman W
Laying down an AK-47 and 250 gelatin sticks... that's serious firepower off the streets. Kudos to the police and CRPF for the sustained pressure that made this surrender possible. Every weapon surrendered is a potential life saved. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
I have a respectful criticism. The article hails this as a success, which it is, but it's framed mostly from a security perspective. What about the stories of these 12 people? What made them join? What made them leave? Understanding that human story is crucial for long-term peace, not just counting rifles and reward money.
D
David E
Interesting to see the financial rewards on their heads being converted into rehabilitation assistance. It's a smart psychological and practical move. Hope the promised skill development leads to real jobs and doesn't leave them in limbo. The follow-through is everything.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50