Major Naxalite Surrender Marks Turning Point in Chhattisgarh
In a significant development for Chhattisgarh's security situation, thirty-seven Naxalites officially surrendered before authorities in Dantewada district on Sunday. The event represents one of the most substantial surrenders in recent months and signals growing momentum in the government's anti-Naxal operations.
Among those who turned themselves in, twenty-seven individuals were collectively carrying bounty rewards totaling sixty-five lakh rupees, highlighting the importance of the cadres who have chosen to abandon the extremist movement. The surrender ceremony took place under the watch of senior police officials and CRPF representatives.
Poona Margem Initiative Drives Rehabilitation
Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai confirmed that the surrenders occurred as part of the "Poona Margem" initiative, which translates to "from rehabilitation to social reintegration." This program, launched by Bastar range police, has emerged as a transformative drive aimed at establishing lasting peace and dignity in the troubled Bastar region.
The official elaborated that the initiative focuses on comprehensive progress through peaceful means rather than purely military solutions. The program provides a structured pathway for former insurgents to reintegrate into mainstream society while addressing their economic and social needs.
Key Cadres Among Those Who Surrendered
Police identified several significant cadres who turned themselves in during Sunday's event. The key individuals included Kumali (also known as Anita Mandavi), Geeta (alias Lakshmi Madkam), Ranjan (alias Soma Mandavi), and Bhima (alias Jahaj Kalmu).
Each of these four key cadres carried individual rewards of eight lakh rupees, indicating their important positions within the Naxalite hierarchy. Their decision to surrender represents a substantial blow to the organization's operational capabilities in the region.
The group of thirty-seven surrenderees included twelve women, reflecting the diverse composition of the Naxalite ranks and the program's appeal across gender lines.
Government Rehabilitation Policy Offers Comprehensive Support
Under the government's established rehabilitation policy, each surrendered cadre will receive immediate financial assistance of fifty thousand rupees. Beyond this initial support, the program offers extensive additional facilities designed to ensure successful reintegration.
The comprehensive support package includes skill development training, agricultural land allocation, and other livelihood assistance. This multi-faceted approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability for former insurgents seeking to build peaceful lives.
Superintendent Rai emphasized that the surrender and rehabilitation policies of both central and state governments have inspired remarkable results. Over the past twenty months, more than five hundred eight Maoists have abandoned violence in Dantewada district alone, with one hundred sixty-five of them carrying monetary rewards at the time of their surrender.
Growing Trend of Surrenders Across Chhattisgarh
The success in Dantewada reflects a broader trend across Chhattisgarh. Police statistics reveal that during the last twenty-three months, more than twenty-two hundred Naxalites have surrendered throughout the state, including numerous top-level cadres.
Rai noted that this exodus includes Maoists from various levels of the organization, from senior leadership positions to active cadres operating in base areas. The consistent pattern of surrenders suggests weakening morale and organizational cohesion within the insurgent groups.
The central government has articulated a clear resolve to eliminate the Naxalite threat from the country by March 2026. The continued success of rehabilitation programs like Poona Margem appears crucial to achieving this ambitious timeline while minimizing violence and promoting sustainable peace.
