26 Hardcore Maoists Carrying Rs 64 Lakh Bounty Surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

Raipur/Sukma: In a major breakthrough against Left-Wing Extremism, as many as 26 hardcore Maoists, including seven women, surrendered simultaneously on Wednesday in the Maoist-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The surrendered cadres carried a collective bounty of around Rs 64–65 lakh, dealing a significant blow to the banned Maoist organisation.

Officials said the surrendered Maoists were active across key operational zones, including the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion, South Bastar Division, Maad Division and the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region. Their ranks within the Maoist hierarchy included one Company Party Committee Member (CYPCM), four Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCM), three Area Committee Members (ACM) and 18 party members.

Police sources revealed that these cadres were involved in several major incidents in Sukma district, the Maad region and adjoining areas of Odisha. Their decision to lay down arms comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations and the establishment of new security camps in remote interior areas, which have substantially increased pressure on insurgent networks.

The Maoists said they were motivated by the Chhattisgarh government’s ‘Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy’, citing it as a key factor behind their decision. They were also influenced by the ongoing ‘Poona Marge’ (Poona Margem) campaign, which focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents into mainstream society through financial assistance, skill development and security assurances.

Senior officials from the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were present during the surrender. The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, Interrogation Branch and intelligence units of several CRPF battalions — including 02, 159, 212, 217, 226 and CoBRA 201 — played a crucial role in persuading the Maoists to surrender.

After laying down arms, each surrendered cadre was provided immediate financial assistance and other benefits as per the rehabilitation policy.

The mass surrender is in line with the Centre’s objective of eliminating Naxalism by March 2026, as repeatedly emphasised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Security experts see this development as a clear indication of declining Maoist morale, driven by sustained security operations and developmental initiatives in the Bastar region.

With a steady rise in surrenders over the past few years, Chhattisgarh is witnessing a gradual erosion of Maoist influence, opening the path for lasting peace and development in formerly disturbed tribal areas.

With inputs from IANS