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Raipur, Oct 29 (IANS) In a significant development in Chhattisgarh, 21 Maoists are set to formally surrender before senior police officials in Kanker district on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the intensified “anti-Naxal” operation in the state.
Police sources said the group, which emerged from the dense Barrebeda forest two days ago, has now reached the district headquarters, where they will give up violence and rejoin mainstream society.
Of the 21 individuals, 18 are surrendering with their weapons, underscoring the seriousness of the change and the growing impact of sustained police pressure in the area.
The first photographs of the surrendered cadre are expected to be released to the media soon, capturing a moment that reflects both relief and resolve. This wave of surrenders is part of a broader trend that has gained momentum in recent weeks.
The defection of several high-ranking Naxalites, including Central Committee member Rupesh, has created a ripple in the rebel ranks. Since Rupesh’s surrender, several groups have followed suit, citing declining support, operational fatigue and increased overreach of security forces.
The decision of the Kanker group to leave the forest and approach the authorities was taken two days ago, indicating a pre-planned and coordinated move. His alleged “arrival at the district headquarters” on Wednesday is not just a logical culmination, but a symbolic act of re-integration. Sources said senior police officers will monitor the formalities and ensure that the process is safe and dignified.
Beyond Kanker, similar sentiments are being expressed in other parts of the state also. Sources further said that Maoists from Bastar and Gariaband have also expressed their intention to surrender, indicating a widespread decline in the morale of the terrorists.
Officials believe that a combination of strategic campaigns, community outreach and rehabilitation assurances is steadily eroding the movement’s ideological hold.
Just last Sunday, October 26, a similar group of 21 cadres surrendered in Kanker with 18 weapons, citing disillusionment with the Maoists’ “exploitation and false ideology”.
On October 17, 210 Naxalites, including Central Committee member Rupesh alias Satish (carrying a reward of Rs 45 lakh), who carried a bounty of Rs 9.18 crore, surrendered in Jagdalpur.
Earlier, on October 2, 103 turncoats (reward worth Rs 1.06 crore) were brought to Bijapur. In Gariaband, another cadre group recently announced surrender, indicating a larger impact.
–IANS
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