34 Maoist cadres, with Rs 84 lakh combined bounty, surrender in Bijapur
Raipur/Bijapur Dec 16
In a significant victory for anti-Naxal operations, 34 Maoist cadres, including 7 women, surrendered before senior police and CRPF officials in Bijapur district on Tuesday, carrying a combined bounty of Rs 84 lakh.
The surrendered cadres, primarily from the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, also include members linked to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee, and Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) Division.
Key figures include a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) from the Keralapal Area Committee with a Rs 8 lakh bounty, several PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army) members, Area Committee Members (ACMs), platoon leaders, militia commanders, and frontal organisation office-bearers like DAKMS and CNM presidents.
Disillusioned with Maoist ideology, they pledged allegiance to the Indian Constitution, vowing a peaceful life. Each received Rs 50,000 immediate incentive under the state's rehabilitation policy, Police officials said.
The surrender occurred amid joint efforts by District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA, and CRPF battalions, influenced by the Chhattisgarh government's "Puna Margam: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation" campaign—a reintegration drive—and the "Niyad Nellanar" scheme delivering development to remote villages.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav appealed to the remaining Maoists, "abandon violence without fear. The government's policies ensure a secure, respectable future."
He highlighted family desires for normal lives.
Since January 2024, Bijapur has seen over 824 surrenders (per local claims, aligning with reports of 790+ by late 2025), alongside arrests and encounters, reflecting intensified operations.
Statewide, thousands have surrendered in 2025, weakening Maoist structures in Bastar.
Officials credit proactive security, trust-building, and welfare initiatives for transforming fear into dialogue and development in South Bastar.
Rehabilitation processes, including legal formalities and reintegration support, are underway. This marks another step toward Chhattisgarh's goal of lasting peace in Naxal-affected regions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Rs 84 lakh bounty on just 34 people! This shows how dangerous these cadres were. Kudos to our security forces and the Chhattisgarh government for creating an environment where they feel safe to surrender. The focus on development (Niyad Nellanar) is the real key to lasting peace.
While this is a positive step, we must ensure the Rs 50,000 incentive and rehabilitation leads to genuine integration. Sometimes these cadres go back out of frustration. They need skill training, land, and community acceptance, not just a one-time payment. The government's follow-through is crucial.
As someone following this conflict, the scale is staggering—over 800 surrenders in one district this year? That's a tectonic shift. It proves that a mix of firm security action and compassionate policy can dismantle insurgencies. Other states should study this model.
My heart goes out to the 7 women who surrendered. Often, they are recruited or forced into this life with little choice. I hope the rehabilitation process is sensitive to their specific needs and traumas. A peaceful life is what every family in Bastar deserves. â¤ï¸
"Disillusioned with Maoist ideology" – this is the most important line. For decades, youth were misled. When they pledge allegiance to the Constitution, it's a win for our democracy. Salute to the police and CRPF for their patience and hard work in the toughest terrain.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.