Sukma: In a significant development, as many as 18 Maoists surrendered before the authorities, citing disappointment with the hollow ideology of extremists in Sukma district on May 27, said police.
Among those surrendered were 10 Maoists carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 18 lakh on their heads.
“Influenced by ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme, 18 naxals have surrendered today. Of these, 4 naxalites are associated with Battalion No. 1. Naxalites belonging to 4 battalions have surrendered. Naxalites active in South Bastar have also surrendered,” said Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan.
He added that those who have surrendered were under pressure after the encounter of Basavaraju and operation Black Forest at Karregutta. They were also disappointed with the inhuman Maoist ideology and atrocities by extremists on local tribals.
“They will get all the benefits of the schemes functioning under the state government. I appeal to all the naxals to surrender,” said Chavan.
#WATCH | Sukma, Chhattisgarh | Sukma SP Kiran G Chavan says, "Influenced by 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme, 18 naxals have surrendered today. Of these, 4 naxalites are associated with Battalion No. 1. Naxalites belonging to 4 battalions have surrendered. Naxalites active in South… pic.twitter.com/brm7ODBTiA
— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025
Among those who laid down weapons are Madkam Aayta, a member of the PLGA battalion no 01(the strongest formation of the Maoist) and Bhaskar alias Bhogam Lakha, a member of the same unit. Both of them were carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh each.
The other notable names among those who joined the mainstream include Madvai Channu alias Lakhman and Madkam Kamlu, both area committee members carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh each.
The surrenderd cadres were all provided with immediate financial assistance of Rs 50000 each as provisioned in the new surrender cum victim rehabilitation policy announced by the state government.
Permanent houses to surrendered Maoists
In a related development, the Dantewada administration has announced to provide permanent houses to 38 surrendered Maoist cadres under a special initiative in Geedam block.
A ground-breaking ceremony for the houses sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna-Gramin was organised at Jhoriabadam village Panchayat of Geedam on Tuesday. The authorities on the occasion exuded confidence to complete the construction work of the houses in 3-4 months.
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a special campaign was launched for the Naxal-affected families and all the families were surveyed. While allocating land to them, the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of houses in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Colony was done today. This will serve as a model for others. The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is being done at a fast pace in the district. I am confident that we will be able to complete the construction of this colony in the coming 3-4 months,” said Dantewada Collector Kunal Dudawat.
#WATCH | Chhattisgarh: Dantewada Collector Kunal Dudawat says, "Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a special campaign was launched for the Naxal-affected families and all the families were surveyed. While allocating land to them, the ground breaking ceremony for the… https://t.co/d5ef6WjLu7 pic.twitter.com/uAqT4xYYNa
— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2025
It must be noted that amidst the ongoing aggressive campaign against the Maoists in Bastar, the state government has announced a new ‘surrender cum victim rehabilitation policy’ for those laying down weapons and joining mainstream.
In addition, the government has also announced to provide skill training to the surrender Maoists, enabling them with employment opportunity alongside providing other benefits under the new scheme.
It is noteworthy that around 800 Maoists had turned themselves and surrendered before the authorities in the state of Chhattisgarh in 2024 alone. The development occurred amidst intensified anti-Maoist campaign of security forces in Maoist’s strongholds, resulting in major successes for them.
Significantly, the Union Government has announced to eradicate the menace of red terror from the country before March next year.
