In a significant blow to Left Wing Extremism, 51 Naxalite cadres have surrendered to security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The surrendered group included 20 highly wanted individuals, collectively carrying a bounty of Rs 66 lakh. The surrender ceremony, which also saw nine women cadres joining the rehabilitation process, was hailed as a testament to the efficacy of the state’s peace initiatives.
These rebels chose to lay down their arms under the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ program, a Bastar Range Police initiative focused on rehabilitation and social reintegration. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav highlighted that the Maoists were motivated by the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and the visible progress of development initiatives in the area.
“Their decision to step away from violence is a clear indication that peace and development are winning,” Yadav remarked. The surrendered cadres were part of key Maoist units, including the PLGA battalion 01, area committees, and local squads. Their departure is expected to create a significant void in the Maoist organization’s structure and operational capabilities within Bijapur and adjacent territories.