Bijapur: In a notable development as many as 19 Maoists have surrender before the authorities in Maoist-infested Bijapur district on March 17, police said. They were carrying a collective reward of Rs 29 lakh.
The surrender took place before the officials of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where cadres belonging to the Pamed Area Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) announced their return to the mainstream.
A few of the surrendered Maoists were active on the ranks of ACM, PPCM while the others were active as members of People Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA), and militia groups associated with the proscribed group.
They have been provided with a financial aid of Rs 25000 each and will be rehabilitated under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
The development occurred days after another lot of 17 Maoists surrendered in Bijapur district on March 13. Those surrendered were carrying a collective reward of Rs 40 lakh on their heads.
#WATCH | Chhattisgarh | Bijapur SP Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav says, "…Today, 17 Naxalites have surrendered in the Bijapur district…All the surrendered Naxalites were active in different capacities in the Gangaloor area committee of the outlawed Maoist organisation…" https://t.co/HBX3EwJgpU pic.twitter.com/mw7n9okY3d
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2025
In a related development reported from Bhadradi Kothgudem district of neighbouring Telangana, a significant lot of over 60 Maoists also surrendered before the authorities on Sunday. Those surrendered before authorities included an ACM rank Maoist from Chhattisgarh.
The recent surge in surrenders by Maoist cadres is noted amidst the incumbent state government announcing a new surrender cum rehabilitation policy for those joining the mainstream on March 12.
The new policy will provide financial assistance, education, security, rehabilitation along employment opportunities to the surrendered Maoists through which the state government aims to ensure that those shunning the path of violence can lead a life with dignity said the government in an official statement issued.
Further, state deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma also made an appeal to the Maoists to give up arms and join the mainstream. “Our appeal to them is to give up arms and return to the mainstream of society,” he said. Notably a surge in surrender of Maoist cadres has been noted in the state of Chhattisgarh with many high ranking cadres giving up arms in recent times.
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