26 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh: A Shift Towards Peace?

Maoists Turn Themselves In

Sukma (Chhattisgarh): On Wednesday, 26 Naxalites, including 13 individuals with a combined bounty of ₹65 lakh, surrendered in Sukma district, according to a senior police official.

The group, which included seven women, voluntarily submitted to authorities during a ceremony attended by senior police and CRPF officials, as part of the 'Poona Margem' initiative aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration, stated Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan.

These individuals were affiliated with the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and were active in various divisions, including South Bastar, Maad, and the Andhra Odisha Border. They were implicated in numerous violent incidents in Abujhmad, Sukma, and adjacent regions of Odisha.

The surrendered Naxalites expressed their admiration for the state government's rehabilitation policies, which played a significant role in their decision to return.

Among them was Lali alias Muchaki Aayte Lakhmu (35), a member of the company party committee, who had a ₹10 lakh bounty on her head. She was linked to several violent acts, including a 2017 IED blast on the Koraput road that resulted in the deaths of 14 security personnel.

Additionally, four other prominent members—Hemla Lakhma (41), Aasmita alias Kamlu Sanni (20), Rambati alias Padam Jogi (21), and Sundam Pale (20)—each had a bounty of ₹8 lakh.

Lakhma was notably involved in the 2020 Minpa ambush in Sukma, which claimed the lives of 17 security personnel.

Other surrendered members included three with a ₹5 lakh reward each, one with a ₹3 lakh bounty, another with ₹2 lakh, and three with a ₹1 lakh reward each.

Each of the surrendered Naxalites received ₹50,000 in assistance and will undergo further rehabilitation in accordance with government policies.

Chavan urged others associated with the banned Maoist group to abandon violence, promising them safety and a dignified life.