NewKerala.com

26 Hardcore Maoists With ₹64 Lakh Bounty Surrender in Chhattisgarh

In a major development, 26 hardcore Maoists, including seven women, surrendered in Sukma district, dealing a significant blow to the insurgent group. The individuals, who had a collective bounty of approximately ₹64-65 lakh on them, were active in key operational areas like the PLGA Battalion and the Andhra-Odisha Border region. Their surrender is attributed to the intensified security operations and the attractive state government rehabilitation policy offering financial aid and reintegration. This event aligns with the central government's goal to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026 and signals declining Maoist influence in the Bastar region.

Key Points: 26 Maoists with ₹64 Lakh Bounty Surrender in Chhattisgarh

  • 26 hardcore Maoists surrender
  • Combined bounty of ₹64-65 lakh
  • Influenced by state surrender policy
  • Part of push to eradicate Naxalism by 2026
2 min read

26 hardcore Maoists with Rs 64 lakh collective bounty surrender in Chhattisgarh

26 hardcore Naxalites, carrying a collective bounty of ₹64 lakh, surrender in Sukma, citing govt rehabilitation policy & security pressure.

"evidence of crumbling Maoist morale, driven by sustained operations and development outreach - Security Experts"

Raipur/Sukma, Jan 7 In a significant victory for security forces combating Left-Wing Extremism, 26 hardcore Naxalites, including seven women, surrendered simultaneously in the Maoist-affected Sukma district on Wednesday.

A combined bounty of approximately Rs 64-65 lakh had been announced on these insurgents, marking a major setback to the outlawed Maoist organisation.

The surrendered Maoists were active in key operational areas, including the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion, South Bastar Division, Maad Division, and the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region. They held various ranks within the Maoist hierarchy: one Company Party Committee Member (CYPCM), four Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCM), three Area Committee Members (ACM), and 18 ordinary Party Members.

According to police officials, these cadres were involved in several high-profile incidents across the Sukma district, the Maad region, and bordering areas in Odisha.

Their surrender comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations and the establishment of new security camps in remote interior areas, which have significantly increased pressure on the insurgents.

The Maoists cited the Chhattisgarh government's attractive 'Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy' as a primary motivation for laying down arms.

They were particularly influenced by the ongoing 'Poona Marge' (or Poona Margem) campaign, aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society. This initiative promises financial assistance, skill development, and protection to former insurgents willing to abandon violence.

Senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials oversaw the surrender process.

The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, Interrogation Branch, and intelligence units from multiple CRPF battalions -- including 02, 159, 212, 217, 226, and Cobra 201 -- played a pivotal role in persuading the cadres to join the mainstream.

Following the surrender, each individual received the prescribed incentives under the rehabilitation policy, including immediate financial aid.

This development aligns with the Central government's goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, as reiterated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Security experts view this mass surrender as evidence of crumbling Maoist morale, driven by sustained operations and development outreach in the Bastar region.

With hundreds of surrenders reported in recent years, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a steady decline in Naxal influence, paving the way for peace and progress in once-restive tribal areas.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has read about the conflict for years, this seems like a genuine turning point. 26 surrenders at once, with such high bounties, indicates a serious crack in their organization. The focus on rehabilitation is crucial for long-term peace.
P
Priya S
While this is a positive step, we must ensure the rehabilitation is real and lasting. Just giving cash isn't enough. They need proper jobs, education, and community acceptance. Otherwise, they might feel alienated again. The government must follow through.
V
Vikram M
Jai Hind! This is a massive win. These people were involved in violence against our own citizens and security personnel. Surrender is the best option for them. Hope the 2026 goal to end this menace is achieved. Our forces are doing a tough job in difficult terrain.
R
Rohit P
The mention of the 'Poona Marge' campaign is key. It shows a shift from pure military action to winning hearts and minds. Development in these tribal areas has been neglected for decades. Fix that, and you remove the reason for youth to pick up guns.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to the seven women who surrendered. Their stories are often the most tragic, caught in a cycle not of their making. I hope the rehabilitation policy has special provisions to support them and help them rebuild their lives with dignity.
M

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50