In a significant development in the ongoing fight against Left-Wing Extremism, 22 Maoists, including a woman cadre and several local militia functionaries, surrendered before the police in Sukma district of south Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. The surrender marks another milestone in the state’s intensified campaign to curb insurgent activities.
The surrender ceremony was held at the Sukma Superintendent of Police’s office under the state government’s rehabilitation framework. Officials described the development as a clear indication of a gradual shift on the ground, driven by sustained security pressure and expanded administrative outreach in remote forested regions.
According to official data, between January 1 and February 17 this year, a total of 226 Maoists have surrendered across Chhattisgarh. During the same period, 22 Maoists were killed in encounters and 72 were arrested, reflecting the multi-pronged approach adopted by security forces.
Police officials stated that those who surrendered were active in various roles within the Maoist hierarchy. The group included a GRD militia commander, members of the RPC militia, a jungle committee president, a Janatana Sarkar functionary and a member of KAMS. All of them are residents of remote villages in Sukma district.
The surrenders were facilitated under the “Poona Margem” (Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation) initiative, implemented as part of the Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025. Authorities said continuous security operations, establishment of new security camps, improved road connectivity and the expansion of welfare schemes in interior areas have significantly reduced the operational space of the banned outfit.
The ceremony was attended by Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan (IPS), DIG of Central Reserve Police Force Range Jagdalpur S. Arul Kumar, Commandant Gopal Kumar Gupta, IPS officers Rohit Shah and Naveen Kumar Yadav, Additional SP (Naxal Operations) Abhishek Verma, Additional SP Sukma Amarjeet Kumar Gupta, and senior officers from CRPF battalions and intelligence units.
Officials credited the coordinated efforts of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, district police, Range Field Team Jagdalpur, CRPF battalions, and CoBRA units for facilitating the surrenders.
Each surrendered cadre will receive immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000 under the rehabilitation policy. They will also be eligible for additional financial aid, skill development programmes and welfare benefits aimed at ensuring their long-term reintegration into mainstream society.
As security forces continue area domination and intelligence-based operations in the remaining pockets, officials emphasised that surrender and rehabilitation have emerged as key pillars of the state’s strategy. Tuesday’s development reflects a steady contraction of Maoist influence in south Bastar, as coordinated operations continue across multiple fronts.