A significant number of Maoist insurgents, totaling 41 individuals including 12 women, have laid down their arms in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The surrender, which occurred on Wednesday, is particularly notable as 32 of the cadres were subject to a collective bounty of Rs 1.19 crore, highlighting their former importance within the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit.
Senior police officials received the surrendering cadres, who cited the government’s attractive surrender and rehabilitation policy as a primary motivation. The ‘Poona Margham’ program, focusing on reintegrating former militants into society, also played a vital role in their decision to abandon the armed struggle. They have pledged to uphold the Constitution and lead law-abiding lives.
Geographically and organizationally, the surrendered group is significant. Thirty-nine of them were affiliated with the Maoist’s south sub-zonal bureau, with connections to critical committees such as the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and the Telangana State Committee. Their involvement also extended to regional divisions across Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Nuapada.
Several high-value targets were among those who surrendered. Nine individuals each carried a bounty of Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, bounties of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh were attached to the heads of other cadres, reflecting their roles as platoon members, commanders, and area committee operatives.
This mass surrender further bolsters the statistics for Maoists choosing peace. In Bijapur alone, 790 cadres have joined the mainstream since January 2024. The district has also seen significant operational successes, with 202 Maoists killed and 1,031 arrested during the same period. Authorities continue to promote the benefits of surrendering through programs like ‘Poona Margham’.