In a significant development for internal security in Chhattisgarh, at least 78 Maoist cadres, including 43 women, laid down their arms in three districts of the Bastar region on Wednesday, officials confirmed. The mass surrender comes in the wake of a similar large-scale surrender by senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, and 60 other cadres in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Tuesday, highlighting a potential weakening of Maoist influence across central India.

According to police sources, the surrendered cadres represented multiple organizational levels within the Maoist hierarchy, including divisional committee members, area committee members, and party cadres, indicating a broad-scale disillusionment with the insurgent movement.

Surrenders Across Districts

In Sukma district, approximately 27 Maoists, including ten women, surrendered before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers. Among these were 16 cadres carrying bounties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, signaling their prominence within the Maoist organization. Notable individuals included Oyam Lakhmu, a 53-year-old member of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, who carried a reward of ₹10 lakh. Other key cadres included Madvi Bhima (18), part of the military platoon of PLGA Battalion No. 1, and Sunita alias Kawasi Somdi (24) and Sodi Mase (22) from Regional Military Company No. 2, each carrying bounties of ₹8 lakh. Several other cadres carried rewards of ₹3 lakh, ₹2 lakh, and ₹1 lakh, demonstrating a diverse mix of operational experience among the surrendering members.

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan stated, “The Maoists surrendered citing disappointment with the hollow ideology propagated by the organization, the atrocities committed by Naxalites against innocent tribals, and the increasing presence of security forces across the region.” The surrendered cadres in Sukma were immediately provided ₹50,000 each as part of the government’s rehabilitation support and will continue to be assisted under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.

In Kanker district, around 50 Maoists, including 32 women cadres and two members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, surrendered at the Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Kamtera under the Koylaibeda police station limits. These included notable cadres such as Rajman Mandavi and Raju Salam, leaders within the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. The surrendering group deposited 39 weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, two Self-Loading Rifles, four INSAS rifles, one INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG), and a Sten gun, marking a substantial reduction in the operational capacity of local Maoist units.

Among the surrendered were five divisional committee members—Prasad Tadami, Heeralal Komra, Jugnu Kowachi, Narsingh Netam, and Nande, the wife of Rajman Mandavi—21 area committee members, and 21 regular party members. This highlights a significant blow to the leadership structure of Maoist units in the region, with key positions within battalions and committees now vacated.

In Kondagaon district, a woman cadre named Geeta alias Kamli Salaam, who served as an area committee member and commanded the tailor team under the East Bastar Division, also surrendered. She carried a bounty of ₹5 lakh, further illustrating that even specialized units within the insurgency are now disbanding.

Government Initiatives and Rehabilitation

Officials noted that the surrenders were influenced by the state government’s development-oriented initiatives such as the Niyad Nellanar (Your Good Village) scheme, aimed at promoting infrastructure, education, and healthcare in remote areas affected by insurgency. In addition, the new surrender and rehabilitation policy provides immediate financial assistance, support for skill development, and integration into mainstream society for ex-cadres. The combination of development schemes and structured rehabilitation has reportedly played a crucial role in encouraging the cadres to renounce violence.

Sukma SP Kiran Chavan emphasized that the surrendered individuals would not only receive immediate financial aid but also continued support for long-term rehabilitation, including vocational training and livelihood assistance. This approach is designed to provide former cadres with sustainable alternatives to insurgency and reduce the chances of rejoining Maoist groups.

Political and Security Perspectives

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the development on X, stating that Maoism, which had once posed a significant challenge to India’s internal security, “is now collapsing on every front and is in its final stage.” Sai expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India’s objective of eliminating Maoist violence by March 31, 2026, would be successfully achieved.

Officials also highlighted that the ongoing operations by security forces, coupled with the government’s policy of offering surrender and rehabilitation, have contributed to weakening the Maoist infrastructure in Bastar. The joint coordination between the state police, paramilitary forces like the CRPF and BSF, and district administration ensures effective monitoring of Maoist movements, facilitating surrenders and maintaining public safety in affected areas.

Strategic Significance

The surrender of 78 Maoist cadres, including high-ranking members, is seen as a landmark moment in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Chhattisgarh. It not only diminishes the operational capabilities of the Maoist groups but also has psychological and symbolic implications, potentially encouraging more cadres to opt for surrender over continued conflict.

Security analysts point out that such mass surrenders also highlight the efficacy of a dual strategy combining robust security measures with development-focused incentives. By addressing both the operational containment of insurgents and the socio-economic needs of affected communities, the government is systematically dismantling the conditions that sustain Maoist recruitment and militancy.

Conclusion

The coordinated surrender of Maoist cadres across Sukma, Kanker, and Kondagaon districts marks a turning point in Chhattisgarh’s fight against internal insurgency. With a clear focus on rehabilitation, financial support, and development initiatives, the state government aims to reintegrate former cadres into society and simultaneously weaken the organizational strength of Maoist groups.

As the surrenders continue, authorities remain vigilant to ensure that public safety is maintained and that the surrendering individuals are smoothly transitioned into mainstream life. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s statement reflects the government’s confidence that Maoism in India is approaching its final stages, signaling a new era of peace and development in regions that have long been affected by insurgent violence.