New Delhi: In a notable development, 26 Maoists including 7 female members of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered before police in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, police said on January 7.
The surrender occurred before senior officials of police and under the ‘Poona Margem’ (From rehabilitation to rebirth) initiative, marking another significant achievement for security forces who have already tightened grip in the insurgency-hit regions.
The surrendered Maoists were active in PLGA battalions, Andhra-Odisha Border division and other units of the proscribed group. Officials said that they were all involved in carrying out Naxal-related incidents in separate regions and carrying a cumulative reward of Rs64 lakhs.
According to preliminary information, three among the surrendered Maoists were area committee members while one of them was a divisional committee member. The surrendered members have been given financial assistance and will be provided with other benefits as per state’s policy.
Making an appeal to the remaining Maoists to give up arms and join the mainstream of development, Superintendent of Police Sukma, Kiran Chavan said, that the government is committed to rehabilitation and secured future of those laying down arms.
It is worth mentioning here, that over 1500 Maoists have given up arms and joined the mainstream in Chhattisgarh, since January last year. This marks a significant step forward towards Union government’s resolve to end the red terror menace by March 2026.
Notably, campaign against extremists has intensified in state’s southern region encompassing parts of Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma and Narayanpur districts.
Security operations launched in Maoist-hit regions of Bastar in 2025 alone have resulted in neutralisation of 256 Maoists, including top commanders, causing an extensive damage to Maoist’s already weakening organisational strength and its leadership structure.
Reports indicate, that the central committee of Maoists, the highest decision making body has now been left with only a handful of (4-5) active commanders, with security forces closing in on them.
