Raipur: In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb left-wing extremism in central India, at least 26 Maoists, including seven women, surrendered to the authorities in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. Among them, 13 cadres were carrying a combined bounty of ₹65 lakh, reflecting their high-profile involvement in multiple violent incidents over the years, police said.

The surrender took place under the state government’s “Poona Margem” initiative, which focuses on facilitating the transition of former insurgents from armed militancy to social reintegration. The surrendered cadres laid down their arms before senior police officials and officers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), signaling a step toward peace in the region.

Details of the Surrendered Maoists

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan confirmed that the surrendered cadres were active members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). They operated across multiple divisions, including the South Bastar, Maad, and Andhra–Odisha Border (AOB) divisions. Over the years, these cadres were reportedly involved in numerous incidents of violence across Abujhmad, Sukma, and adjoining areas of Odisha.

Among the surrendered Maoists, Lali, also known as Muchaki Aayte Lakhmu, aged 35, was a company party committee member and carried a bounty of ₹10 lakh. Lali was allegedly involved in multiple major attacks, including the 2017 IED blast on Koraput road in Odisha, which claimed the lives of 14 security personnel.

Four other key cadres—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 reportedly involved in the 2020 Minpa ambush in Sukma, where 17 security personnel lost their lives. Among the remaining surrendered Maoists, three carried rewards of ₹5 lakh each, one ₹3 lakh, one ₹2 lakh, and three carried bounties of ₹1 lakh each.

Reasons Behind the Surrender

Police officials stated that the surrendered Maoists cited the sustained security operations and the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy as the primary reasons for laying down their arms. “The cadres expressed their willingness to reintegrate into society and take up legal means of livelihood, influenced by both security measures and the rehabilitative incentives offered by the government,” Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said.

The initiative under “Poona Margem” ensures that surrendered cadres are not only provided immediate financial assistance but also gradually reintegrated into society with long-term rehabilitation measures. Each of the 26 surrendered Maoists received an immediate assistance of ₹50,000, and the government has pledged to provide further support, including skill training, employment opportunities, and social counseling.

Significance of the Surrender

The surrender of these cadres is being viewed as a major breakthrough in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism. The involvement of high-bounty cadres in the surrender reflects a weakening of the Maoist organizational structure in the region, as well as growing confidence in government rehabilitation initiatives.

Experts note that successful surrenders such as these help in restoring law and order in conflict-affected regions, reduce the operational strength of insurgent groups, and provide a message to other cadres that there is a viable path to reintegration into mainstream society.

This development also comes amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states, aimed at curbing the influence of the PLGA across the Bastar region and along the Andhra–Odisha border. Continuous security operations, coupled with rehabilitation incentives, are considered crucial for breaking the cycle of recruitment and violence in these regions.

Next Steps for Surrendered Cadres

The state government has committed to ensuring that surrendered Maoists are provided comprehensive rehabilitation support. This includes monitoring their progress, providing vocational training, and helping them transition into sustainable livelihoods. Authorities will also coordinate with local police and community leaders to ensure a smooth reintegration process and to prevent potential stigma or retaliation from former associates within the Maoist network.

With these surrenders, Chhattisgarh authorities hope to encourage more members of insurgent groups to abandon armed militancy and embrace peaceful and lawful means of living. This initiative not only addresses security concerns but also aims at fostering social stability and inclusive development in historically conflict-affected areas.

---