12 Maoists Lay Down Arms in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

Raipur/Bijapur — Twelve Maoist members belonging to the South Sub-Zonal Bureau surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Thursday under the state government’s ‘Poona Margem: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation’ programme, signalling a step towards mainstream integration.

The group included eight women and four men, who surrendered with weapons such as three automatic firearms, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, along with ammunition. The cadres had a combined reward of Rs 54 lakh announced on them due to their involvement with the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit.

The surrendered members also handed over additional explosive materials, including 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, a plastic drum filled with gunpowder, and a bundle of cordex wire.

Among those who surrendered was 42-year-old Somdu Madkam, a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) of the Darbha Division and in-charge of the Katekalyan Area Committee, who carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. He surrendered with an AK-47 and a magazine.

Other key members included Hungi Kunjam alias Soni, 19, a Battalion No. 1 party member with a reward of Rs 8 lakh; Payki Kunjam, 22, a Company No. 02 party member with a reward of Rs 8 lakh; and Ayati Madkam alias Punni, 24, a North Sub-Zonal Bureau Platoon Party Committee Member (PPCM) carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh. Several other Area Committee Members, party members, and PLGA members with rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh also surrendered.

The surrender took place in the presence of Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P and other senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (CRPF), Bijapur Sector operations officers, and Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav.

Authorities have initiated legal procedures for the surrendered cadres’ rehabilitation and reintegration, including financial support, skill training, and other assistance under the state government’s policy. Officials described the surrender as a major success in anti-Maoist operations.

Since January 1, 2024, Bijapur district has witnessed 888 Maoists surrendering, 1,163 being arrested, and 231 being killed in encounters. Officials credited this trend to a combination of security operations, development initiatives, dialogue efforts, and rehabilitation schemes like ‘Poona Margem’, which have encouraged cadres to abandon extremism.

Authorities said the development highlights coordinated efforts by police, central forces, local administration, and residents to promote long-term peace and development in the region.

With inputs from IANS