In a significant boost to Chhattisgarh’s security efforts, 37 Naxal operatives surrendered in the Dantewada district on Sunday. The group included 27 individuals who carried a combined bounty of Rs 65 lakh, underscoring their former importance within the Naxal movement. The surrenders occurred in the presence of senior police and CRPF officials.
The ‘Poona Margem’ initiative played a pivotal role in facilitating these surrenders, offering a pathway for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. According to Police Superintendent Gaurav Rai, the group was diverse, with 12 women choosing to leave the Naxal fold. This inclusive approach is a key aspect of the initiative’s success.
Several key Naxal figures were among those who surrendered. These included Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these operatives had an Rs 8 lakh bounty on their heads, signifying their active participation and influence in Naxal activities.
The state government’s rehabilitation policy ensures that surrendering cadres receive immediate support to rebuild their lives. This includes a Rs 50,000 payout, access to skill development training, and assistance with agricultural land. These measures are crucial for their successful reintegration and to foster a sense of belonging in mainstream society.
This wave of surrenders highlights the effectiveness of current strategies. In the past 20 months, over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, have laid down their arms. The Bastar Range Police’s ‘Poona Margem’ initiative is central to this progress, aiming for sustainable peace and development. The national target to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026 is being supported by these consistent efforts, with Chhattisgarh seeing over 2,200 Naxal surrenders in the last 23 months.