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Raipur, Oct 26 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned in the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday that Maoism is about to end in the country, 21 hardcore Maoists, including senior cadres, on Sunday laid down their arms and surrendered before the authorities at Antagarh in Kanker district. The group deposited 18 sophisticated weapons, symbolizing the promotion of anti-leftist operations in the state under the ‘Poona Margham’ rehabilitation policy.
Reacting to the surrender, state Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai wrote on his Their increasing numbers confirm this. Success of ‘Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy-2025’ and ‘Niyad Nela Nar Yojana’.
“These policies are promoting confidence and hope in areas long affected by insurgency. Youth once misled by the false promises of Maoist ideology are now embracing the path of development and opportunity. The shift from guns to development reflects a deep realization that lasting progress lies in constructive engagement, not conflict. The government is fully committed to the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, ensuring that they reintegrate into society. Can join. Dignity and purpose.”
The surrendered cadres included four Division Vice Committee Members (DVCMs), nine Area Committee Members (ACMs) and eight party members, including 13 women and eight men. Notably, Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, a prominent figure of Keshkal Division (North Sub-Zonal Bureau), was part of the group. For years they were active in Kuemari and Kiskoda Area Committee and were creating violence in Antagarh area. Police officials said that they reached the local camp with the police team from Barrebeda village in the morning.
The weapons include three AK-47 rifles, four self-loading rifles (SLRs), two INSAS rifles, six .303 rifles, two single-shot rifles and a barrel grenade launcher (BGL) – which are worth over Rs 10 lakh in the black market. This surrender comes after 50 Naxalites had surrendered at Kamtera camp a day earlier, underscoring the increase in defection.
“This transformation has been possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strategic guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. His efforts have helped restore public confidence in governance across Bastar, weakened Maoist influence and encouraged more people to abandon violence. The Bastar region, once a bastion of left-wing extremism, is now witnessing a rapid shift towards peace and development. Infrastructure projects, Livelihood schemes and community outreach are reshaping the socio-economic landscape. The ‘double engine’ model of the government – driven by both the central and state leadership – remains steadfast in its resolve to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026,” CM Sai said.
“The surrender of 21 Naxalites is not just a statistic – it is a symbol of change, a testament to the power of inclusive governance, and a beacon of hope for communities that have long lived under the shadow of militancy. As more youth choose education, employment and empowerment over militancy, Bastar is set to become a model of resilience and renewal.”
Chhattisgarh Police data shows that there has been a dramatic decline in Maoist activity this year. Since January 2025, more than 1,200 cadres have surrendered across the state, surrendering over 900 weapons, including 150 AK-47s and INSAS rifles. Bijapur saw 410 surrenders by October, while Dantewada saw 71 surrenders in September alone, with many citing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and better security.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent statement, credited these efforts for a 40 per cent decline in Naxalite violence, while incidents in Bastar fell by 25 per cent year-on-year. Authorities have begun rehabilitation for the group, including medical checkups and vocational training. Under the policy, with over 1,400 surrenders expected by 2023, Chhattisgarh aims to become a “Naxal-free” state by 2026, with a focus on economic integration to maintain peace in the Red Corridor.
–IANS
SKTR/PGH