NewKerala.com

170 Maoists Surrender in 31 Days, Goal of Naxal-Free Bastar Nearly Realized

In a major breakthrough, 170 Maoist cadres have surrendered in Bastar Division over the past month, including senior cadre Paparao. Security forces have recovered a significant cache of 343 weapons and Rs 6.75 crore in cash, severely degrading the insurgents' military and financial capabilities. Inspector General Sundarraj stated that Bastar is undergoing a historic transformation towards peace and development, with over 2700 Maoists rehabilitated in 27 months. The collective efforts are moving decisively towards realizing the goal of a Naxal-free Bastar ahead of the national 2026 target.

Key Points: 170 Maoists Surrender in Bastar, Goal of Naxal-Free Region Near

  • 170 Maoist surrenders in 31 days
  • Recovery of 343 weapons & Rs 6.75 crore cash
  • Goal of Naxal-free Bastar almost realized
  • Over 2700 Maoists rehabilitated in 27 months
2 min read

170 surrenders in 31 days, almost realised goal of Naxal-free Bastar: IG P Sundarraj

170 Maoist cadres surrender in Bastar in one month, with major weapons and cash recovered, signaling a historic shift towards peace and development.

"A region that remained under the shadow of violence and fear for a long time is now decisively moving towards a new direction of peace, trust and development. - IG Sundarraj"

Bastar, April 2

A total of 170 Maoist cadres have returned to the mainstream in one month in Bastar Division, including the surrender of the senior Maoist cadre of Bastar Range, DKSZCM Paparao and several DVCM-level cadres, Inspector General of Police in Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam said.

More than 343 graded weapons have been recovered, including AK-47, INSAS, SLR, BGL launchers and LMG. This has almost eliminated the Maoists' military capability.

In the last 31 days, the recovery of Rs 6.75 crore in cash and eight kilograms of gold (worth more than Rs 12 crore) clearly indicates the weakening of the Maoists' source of funding.

IG Sundarraj said on Wednesday that under Mission 2026, Bastar is witnessing a historic transformation today. A region that remained under the shadow of violence and fear for a long time is now decisively moving towards a new direction of peace, trust and development. The collective resolve of the security forces, local administration and the people of Bastar has almost realised the goal of a Naxal-free Bastar. Bastar is now confidently moving towards a new chapter of lasting peace, progress and public trust.

A large number of misguided Maoist cadres are leaving violence and returning to a dignified life under the 'Poona Margham - Reintegration through Rehabilitation' program. More than 2700 Maoists rehabilitated in 27 months, reflecting the growing environment of lasting peace and trust in Bastar.

Decisive security operations, continuous surrenders, recovery of weapons and dump recoveries have nearly destroyed the organisation's structure and combat capability.

In line with the intent of the government, the joint efforts of security forces, local administration, local people and all concerned stakeholders are now taking the goal of a Naxal-free Bastar towards its formal completion.

The government had set a target of March 31, 2026, for Naxal-free India.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The recovery of 8 kg gold and 6.75 crore rupees is shocking. Where did they get this funding from? This needs a deeper investigation. But overall, peace in Bastar is a welcome change. Hope the 'Poona Margham' program gives these surrendered cadres a real chance at a new life.
A
Arun Y
As someone from Chhattisgarh, I've seen the conflict up close. Military success is one thing, but the real challenge begins now. Can the administration ensure development reaches the remote villages? Roads, schools, hospitals – that's what will make peace permanent. The government must not drop the ball.
S
Sarah B
While the numbers are impressive, I hope the rehabilitation process is humane and effective. 2700 people reintegrated in 27 months is a huge task. They need proper counseling, job training, and community acceptance to truly leave violence behind.
V
Vikram M
Salute to our police and CRPF jawans! They work in the toughest conditions. The surrender of a senior cadre like Paparao is a major blow to their leadership. Hope by 2026, we can truly say India is free from this menace. 🙏
K
Kiran H
This is a positive step, but let's be cautiously optimistic. We've heard "Naxal-free" claims before. The root causes – land rights, tribal displacement, poverty – must be addressed with the same zeal as the military operations. Peace without justice is fragile.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50