Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, January 9, 2026: In a significant development marking one of the largest single-day surrenders in recent times, 63 Naxalites, including 36 carrying a combined bounty of more than ₹1.19 crore, laid down their arms before security forces in Dantewada district on Friday. The event highlights both the sustained pressure exerted by the state and central governments against left-wing extremist activities in Chhattisgarh and the success of the surrender and rehabilitation initiatives implemented over the past years. Officials termed the surrender as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to curb Naxalism in the state and across India.

The surrendered cadres, including 18 women, voluntarily came forward to the authorities under the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative, a program specifically designed to facilitate the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former insurgents. The initiative has been central to the Chhattisgarh government’s strategy in addressing the challenge posed by left-wing extremism, aiming not only to neutralize armed cadres but also to provide them with an avenue to reintegrate into society and lead a peaceful life. According to Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, the surrendered Naxals expressed a profound disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and cited the government’s proactive surrender and rehabilitation policy as the primary reason for laying down their arms.

The surrendered cadres had been active in various highly sensitive and conflict-prone regions of the state, including the South Bastar division, West Bastar division, and Maad division, areas historically known as strongholds of left-wing extremist activities. Many of these cadres also operated along the Odisha border, indicating the inter-state networks and mobility that had allowed insurgent operations to persist for decades. The surrender of such a large number of cadres from these divisions signifies a considerable weakening of the insurgents’ operational capability in these regions.

Among the surrendered Naxals, 36 carried substantial bounties totaling ₹1,19,50,000, reflecting their high-ranking status and operational significance within the Naxal hierarchy. Specifically, seven cadres carried a reward of ₹8 lakh each, seven others carried ₹5 lakh each, eight cadres carried ₹2 lakh each, eleven carried ₹1 lakh each, and three carried ₹50,000 each. The high value of these bounties underscores the strategic importance of the surrendered individuals, who held key positions in the Naxal organizational structure and were involved in planning and executing insurgent activities over a prolonged period.

The identities of some prominent surrendered cadres were revealed by officials. Paklu, alias Pradip Oyam (45), served as the secretary of the Kalahandi area committee, demonstrating his influential role in the organizational framework. Mohan, alias Azad Kadti (32), held the position of a divisional committee member, while his wife, Sumitra, alias Droupati Chapa (30), was the secretary of the Bhairamarh area committee, highlighting the involvement of women in leadership roles within the insurgent network. Hungi, alias Radhika Lekam (28), was a platoon party committee member, and other members included Sukhram Tati (20), Pandu Madkam (19), and Somdu Kadti (21), all of whom were active participants in various operational units of the Naxal organization. Their surrender reflects a significant erosion of the leadership cadre of the Naxal groups in the region.

In accordance with the government’s rehabilitation policy, all 63 surrendered Naxalites are set to receive immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000 each. This is intended to provide initial support as they transition back into civilian life, helping them secure basic necessities while participating in vocational training or other livelihood programs facilitated by the government. The Chhattisgarh government has emphasized that the surrendered individuals will undergo a structured rehabilitation process, including educational and employment support, psychological counseling, and social reintegration programs, all designed to ensure a sustainable exit from the cycle of extremism.

The surrender in Dantewada comes on the heels of a similar event in Sukma district on January 7, where 26 Naxalites laid down arms, further indicating a growing trend of disengagement from insurgency activities in southern Chhattisgarh. Officials reported that in 2025 alone, over 1,500 Naxalites surrendered across the state, showcasing the cumulative effect of sustained counter-insurgency operations, targeted intelligence-driven operations, and community-oriented rehabilitation measures. The consistent rise in voluntary surrenders reflects both the weakening of the Naxal operational structure and the attractiveness of the government’s rehabilitation incentives for those disillusioned with insurgent ideology.

The surrender also aligns with the Centre’s stated objective of eliminating Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026, a goal that has driven multi-agency operations in affected states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. These operations have focused on dismantling Naxal infrastructure, targeting financial and logistical networks, and neutralizing armed cadres while simultaneously offering structured exit pathways for those willing to renounce violence. Officials argue that the combination of security pressure and rehabilitation incentives has proven more effective than purely militarized approaches, creating a long-term impact on the recruitment and retention of Naxal cadres.

The surrendered individuals are expected to participate in vocational training and skill development programsfacilitated by the state government, which are aimed at integrating them into the formal economy. Officials have indicated that support mechanisms include resettlement in non-conflict areas, assistance with housing, and opportunities for employment under various government schemes, thereby ensuring that former insurgents can sustain themselves without reverting to underground activities. Experts argue that such measures are critical not only for individual rehabilitation but also for maintaining social stability in regions historically affected by left-wing extremism.

Authorities have also emphasized the symbolic significance of these surrenders. Each individual who lays down arms represents a weakening of the Naxal command-and-control network, reduces the capacity of insurgent groups to carry out attacks, and sends a message to current active cadres that disengagement and reintegration are viable and safe alternatives. Security analysts note that such large-scale surrenders can have a cascading effect, encouraging additional cadres to come forward, particularly those who occupy mid-level positions and are not ideologically committed to the cause.

Officials further highlighted that the surrendered cadres, due to their knowledge of operational zones, intelligence networks, and recruitment channels, could potentially assist in peacebuilding efforts within their communities. While direct cooperation in security operations is unlikely, their integration into local development initiatives can indirectly contribute to stabilizing conflict-prone areas.

The Dantewada surrender is a culmination of sustained coordination between local police, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the state government, supported by intelligence networks that have been systematically identifying and engaging Naxal operatives. This multi-pronged approach—combining intelligence-led operations, security pressure, and structured rehabilitation—is increasingly being recognized as a model for counter-insurgency efforts not only in India but internationally.

In conclusion, the surrender of 63 Naxalites in Dantewada, including 36 high-value cadres, marks a decisive step in the ongoing campaign against left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. It underscores the success of the government’s dual strategy of dismantling the operational capabilities of insurgent groups while offering credible pathways for disillusioned cadres to reintegrate into society. With the Centre’s deadline of March 31, 2026, for Naxal elimination, such large-scale surrenders indicate measurable progress toward the broader goal of achieving long-term peace, stability, and development in conflict-affected regions. Moving forward, the emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and social integration will be crucial to ensuring that these former insurgents do not return to violent activities and contribute positively to the socio-economic growth of the state and the country.