In a major success for Chhattisgarh’s rehabilitation strategy against Left-Wing Extremism, seventy-one Maoist cadres surrendered before the Dantewada police on Wednesday. The group, consisting of 50 men and 21 women, laid down arms under the state’s Poona Margeṃ (rehabilitation for rebirth) initiative and the district-led Lon Varratu (come back home) campaign. Several of the surrendered cadres had been linked to past ambushes and violent attacks in Bastar.
The surrender ceremony, held at the office of the Superintendent of Police, was witnessed by senior police and CRPF officers. Among those giving up arms were wanted Maoist leaders such as Baman Madkam, who carried an ₹8 lakh bounty, and female commanders Shamila alias Somli Kavasi and Gangi alias Rohini Barse, each with a reward of ₹5 lakh. Officials said most cadres cited frustration with exploitation inside Maoist ranks, the gruelling life in the forests, and growing disillusionment with the ideology of violence as reasons for their decision.
P. Sundarraj, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), described the mass surrender as “a decisive step towards lasting peace and development in Bastar.” He stressed that rehabilitation, not retribution, remained the priority of the security agencies. Dantewada DIG Kamlochan Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai added that the success was the outcome of sustained dialogue with communities, grassroots-level outreach, and joint action by district police, District Reserve Guards, and CRPF battalions.
Under the state’s rehabilitation policy, each surrendering cadre will receive an immediate relief grant of ₹50,000, followed by skill development training, livelihood support, land assistance, and counselling services to facilitate reintegration into mainstream society.
Authorities reiterated their appeal to remaining Maoist operatives to shun violence and return to the social fold, assuring them of dignity, security, and opportunities for a better future. Local community leaders, while welcoming the development, emphasised the need for close monitoring and continued social support to ensure the sustainability of the transition.