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63 Maoists With ₹1.19 Cr Bounties Surrender in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada

In a major development for Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, 63 Maoist cadres surrendered before security forces in Dantewada. The group includes 36 individuals carrying cumulative bounties of ₹1.19 crore, with several being senior members involved in past violent incidents. The mass surrender is attributed to the 'Puna Margam' (Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation) campaign initiated by local police to encourage Maoists to join the mainstream. Under the state's rehabilitation policy, each surrendered cadre will receive financial assistance, skill training, and agricultural land.

Key Points: 63 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh Under 'Puna Margam' Campaign

  • 36 cadres carried bounties totalling ₹1.19 crore
  • Surrender linked to 'Puna Margam' rehab campaign
  • Cadres active across Bastar and Odisha
  • State offers ₹50k aid, land & training
  • Senior cadres involved in past violence surrendered
2 min read

63 Maoists surrender in Dantewada under Chhattisgarh's 'Puna Margam' campaign

63 Maoist cadres, including 36 with bounties totalling ₹1.19 crore, surrender in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, under the state's rehabilitation initiative.

"a transformative step towards lasting peace, dignity and holistic progress - Sundarraj Pattilingam"

Raipur/Dantewada, Jan 9 In a significant boost to anti-Naxal operations and peace efforts in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, 63 Maoist cadres, including 36 carrying bounties totalling Rs 1.19 crore, surrendered before security forces on Friday.

The surrender ceremony took place at the District Reserve Guard office in Dantewada.

The cadres, comprising 18 women and 45 men, were active in Darbha Division, South Bastar, West Bastar, Maad Division and parts of neighbouring Odisha.

Among them were seven with Rs eight lakh bounty each, seven with Rs five lakh, eight with Rs two lakh, eleven with Rs one lakh and three with Rs 50,000, a police official said.

The mass surrender has been attributed to the ongoing 'Puna Margam' campaign, meaning Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation, launched by Dantewada Police to encourage Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam described the initiative as a transformative step towards lasting peace, dignity and holistic progress in the region.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) CRPF Dantewada Range Rakesh Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police Dantewada Gaurav Rai, commandants of CRPF's 111th, 195th and 230th Battalions, Additional Superintendent of Police Ramkumar Barman and other officials.

Forces such as DRG, Bastar Fighters and CRPF played a key role in motivating the cadres to surrender.

Under Chhattisgarh's Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, each surrendered cadre will receive Rs 50,000 assistance along with skill development training, agricultural land and other facilities provided by the state government.

Prominent among the surrenderees were senior cadres with long records of involvement in violent incidents. Divisional Committee Members (DVCM) Mohan Kadti participated in multiple attacks dating back to 2005, including ambushes and murders.

Female DVCM Sumitra Kadti, alias Draupadi and People's Party Committee member (PPCM) Hungi, alias Ankita, were linked to several encounters and arson cases.

Others were involved in IED blasts, vehicle burnings, road blockades and propaganda activities.

Authorities reiterated the commitment of the Government of India, the Chhattisgarh government, the Dantewada Police, the CRPF and the local administration to establishing peace through sustained operations and inclusive development. The surrender is seen as a major achievement in the ongoing efforts to make Bastar Naxal-free.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great news! 🙏 63 people choosing peace over violence is a big win. My heart goes out to the 18 women who surrendered. Many are often trapped in these situations. The rehabilitation policy with skill development is crucial. Let's hope this inspires many more to lay down their arms.
V
Vikram M
Surrendering with bounties on their heads shows the pressure from security forces is working. DRG and Bastar Fighters, who are mostly local tribals, understand the terrain and the people. This dual strategy of pressure and promise of rehabilitation is the key. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While this is encouraging, the real test is what happens next. Rs 50,000 and some training is a start, but integrating people with such violent pasts back into society is a long process. The government must ensure the promised support is delivered consistently, not just at a ceremony.
R
Rohit P
This is the way forward! Development and dialogue. For decades, Bastar has suffered. If these former cadres get proper jobs and respect, they will become the biggest ambassadors for peace in their own villages. More power to the police and administration for this initiative.
K
Karthik V
It's good news, but we must also remember the security personnel who lost their lives in encounters with these very cadres. Justice must be served according to the law, even for those who surrender. Rehabilitation shouldn't mean forgetting the crimes committed.

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