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Raipur, Oct 15 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today described the surrender of 27 active Maoists in Sukma district as a “decisive blow to Naxalism”, signaling the beginning of a new era of trust, security and development in the conflict-torn Bastar region.
In a strongly worded statement, Tsai said as the Maoist insurgency nears its end, areas that were once steeped in violence are now embracing dialogue and progress.
The surrender, which also included a staunch Maoist of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 01, who carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh, took place in front of senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials.
The defectors also included 53-year-old Oyam Lakhmu, a supply team commander in Headquarters Platoon No. 2, who alone carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh.
The group, carrying a collective reward of Rs 50 lakh, included 10 women and 16 others who surrendered their weapons and cited disillusionment with the “hollow” Maoist ideology, internal atrocities against tribals and the increased reach of security forces as the major reasons for their decision.
“This surrender of active members at various levels is a testimony to the success of our ‘Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025’ and ‘Niyad Nela Naar’ scheme,” SAI said in his address.
He attributed the change to the government’s “sensitive initiatives”, the continued establishment of security camps in remote forest areas and growing confidence in the administration among the local people.
“In areas beset by violence and fear, there is now a new light of development, dialogue and trust,” he said, stressing that this is not just a tactical victory but a profound change in the hearts and minds of misguided youth. ,
SAI praised the indomitable courage and restraint of the security forces, including Chhattisgarh Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), CRPF, Cobra Commandos and Special Task Force, for taking the conflict to this “decisive turn”.
“Our forces have displayed exemplary valor while maintaining humanity and transforming adversaries into allies through empathy and resolve,” he said.
Each cadre who surrendered was immediately provided an assistance of Rs 50,000 and will receive comprehensive rehabilitation including financial assistance, vocational training and integration support under the policy.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strategic guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, SAI reiterated the country’s commitment to a Naxal-free India by March 31, 2026.
“Naxalism, which once challenged our internal security, is now collapsing on every front and entering its final stages,” he declared in a post on X, and expressed confidence that the government’s multi-pronged approach – a mix of firm action with compassionate rehabilitation – will achieve this goal.
The Sukma incident comes after a massive surge in which 78 Maoists have surrendered today in Bastar alone, including 50 Maoists in Kanker who have surrendered over 39 weapons like AK-47s and INSAS rifles.
Since the BJP government took power in December 2023, nearly 2,000 Naxalites have laid down arms across the state, a figure Sai attributes to the policy’s appeal and community cooperation.
The ‘Niyad Nela Naar’ initiative, which focuses on infrastructure in 44 remote villages, has further weakened the Maoists’ hold by addressing grievances such as poverty and isolation. Experts see these developments as a harbinger of peace in Bastar, where Maoist violence once accounted for 70 percent of India’s leftist incidents.
As Sai said, “This is the result of our sensitive approach towards the misguided people – which provides not only security, but also a respectable future.”
With the Union Home Ministry calling it a “big step” towards a Naxal-free India, Chhattisgarh’s resolve appears to be unwavering, promising a brighter tomorrow for its tribal heartland.
–IANS
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