In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing anti-Naxal operations, 29 Naxal cadres surrendered to police and CRPF officials in Sukma district on Wednesday, marking another step in the state’s efforts to reintegrate insurgents into mainstream society.

Details of the Surrender

The surrendered individuals were active members of the frontal wings of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and handed themselves over under the “Poona Margem” initiative, a state-led program aimed at encouraging Maoists to give up violence.

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan stated that the cadres were motivated by the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, which promises security, support, and the opportunity to lead a respectable life outside the insurgency.

Among the surrendered cadres, Podiam Budhra, head of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) in the Gogunda area, was a prominent figure and carried a reward of ₹2 lakh on his head. The remaining members were associated with various wings of the Maoist organisation, including DAKMS, militia, and Janatana Sarkar units.

Role of Security Measures

The surrender follows the establishment of a security camp in the Gogunda area, which played a pivotal role in curbing Maoist operations. Authorities highlighted that the camp enabled intensified anti-Naxal operations, sustained pressure, and continuous search activities, which significantly disrupted Maoist activities in the remote and difficult terrain of the Darbha division.

The Gogunda area had historically served as a strategic and safe base for Maoists due to its challenging geography. However, the new security presence dismantled the stronghold, weakening the support system for Maoists in the Darbha division, according to police officials.

Broader Context and Impact

The latest surrender adds to the momentum seen in Chhattisgarh recently:

• 63 Naxalites surrendered in neighboring Dantewada on January 8.
• 26 cadres in Sukma renounced violence on January 7.
• In 2025 alone, over 1,500 Naxalites surrendered across the state.

SP Kiran Chavan appealed to remaining cadres associated with the outlawed Maoist organisation to give up violence, assuring them of safety, rehabilitation, and support for a dignified life in the mainstream.

Government’s Stance

The Central government has reiterated its commitment to eliminate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026, emphasizing a dual strategy of security operations and rehabilitation programs. The recent surrenders reflect the effectiveness of this approach, combining intelligence-driven operations with incentives for peaceful reintegration.

The incident in Sukma underlines the impact of sustained security measures in dismantling long-standing Maoist strongholds while offering a path for cadres to rejoin society without fear of retribution.

Would you like me to create a timeline showing all major Naxalite surrenders in Chhattisgarh in 2025–2026? This would highlight the pattern and scale of these developments.