Major Surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh: A Turning Point in Anti-Insurgency Efforts
Significant Surrender of Maoists in Dantewada
Dantewada: In a pivotal development for Chhattisgarh's initiatives against insurgency and rehabilitation, 15 Maoists, including five with cash rewards totaling Rs 17 lakh, surrendered to senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada district on Thursday.
This event is being celebrated as a substantial achievement under the ongoing 'Lon Varratu' and 'Puna Margem' campaigns in the Bastar region.
Among those who surrendered were notable figures such as Budhram alias Lalu Kuharam (Rs 8 lakh), Kamli alias Moti Potavi (Rs 5 lakh), Pojja Madkam (Rs 2 lakh), along with two female members—Aayate alias Sangeeta Sodi and Pandey Madvi—each with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh, as stated by senior police officer Udit Pushkar.
The Maoist couple Budhram and Kamli had been part of the Maoist movement for over 20 years, participating in numerous violent acts against security forces, according to reports.
The surrender took place in front of Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, DIG Kamlochan Kashyap, and CRPF officer Rakesh Chaudhary, who reaffirmed the government's dedication to rehabilitation.
As per the state's updated policy, those who surrender will be provided with skill development training, self-employment assistance, psychological support, and security assurances. Since these programs began, 1,020 Maoists have surrendered in Bastar, including 254 with announced rewards.
The individuals who surrendered come from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts, comprising 824 men and 196 women.
The 'Lon Varratu' campaign, which translates to 'Come Back Home' in the local Gondi language, was initiated in 2020 to motivate disillusioned Maoists to renounce violence and reintegrate into society.
The 'Puna Margem' initiative enhances this effort by providing organized rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities.
Officials credit the success to ongoing outreach, community involvement, and a growing awareness among Maoist cadres regarding the futility of armed conflict. Many cited internal exploitation, challenging forest conditions, and ideological disillusionment as factors leading to their surrender.
The administration has called on remaining insurgents to consider this path, highlighting that peace, dignity, and development await those who choose reconciliation. This recent wave of surrenders is viewed not only as a tactical victory but also as a sign of changing dynamics in Bastar's prolonged struggle against extremism.