Dantewada, Chhattisgarh – A total of 37 Naxal operatives surrendered to security forces on Sunday, marking a substantial gain for the ongoing peace initiatives in the state. Significantly, 27 of these individuals were wanted with collective bounties of Rs 65 lakh, highlighting their past roles in the insurgency. The surrenders were conducted in accordance with the “Poona Margem” initiative, which aims to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Naxal cadres into the societal mainstream. The event was presided over by senior police and CRPF officials.
The surrendered group comprised 12 women, demonstrating the widespread impact of the surrender and rehabilitation schemes. Key figures among those who laid down their arms include Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, each carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Their decision to surrender is a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s approach.
As per the Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy, each surrendering Naxal receives immediate financial aid of Rs 50,000. Furthermore, they are provided with skill development training to equip them for employment, access to land for cultivation, and other forms of support crucial for their reintegration. Officials stated that the “Poona Margem” initiative, championed by the Bastar Range Police, is proving to be a pivotal strategy in achieving lasting peace and promoting development in the region. The success continues a trend, with over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, having surrendered in the past 20 months. Chhattisgarh has seen more than 2,200 Naxals surrender in the last 23 months, contributing to the national objective of eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.