Union Home Minister Amit Shah, hailing the surrender of 21 Maoists in Chhattisgarh as “a step forward in restoring peace”, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
The surrender that took place in the Kanker district on Sunday involved several senior cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and marks another significant setback for the insurgent network in the Bastar region. It took place under the state police’s “Puna Narkom― New life through Rehabilitation” initiative, designed to reintegrate Maoist cadres into mainstream society. Officials confirmed that 18 weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, four SLRs, two INSAS rifles, six .303 rifles, two single-shot guns, and one BGL launcher, were surrendered during the operation.
According to Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj, the cadres were part of the Keshkal Division (North Sub Zonal Bureau) and belonged to the Kuemari–Kiskodo Area Committee. Among them was Mukesh, the division committee secretary, along with four divisional vice committee members, nine area committee members, and eight party workers.
“The surrender reflects the sustained success of security forces against Maoist influence,” Sundarraj said. “These individuals have renounced violence and chosen the path of peace and development. Necessary legal and rehabilitation processes are already underway.”
Amit Shah, in a post on X, said: “Glad to share that 21 Maoists have surrendered along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. Out of them, 13 were senior cadres. I commend them for joining the mainstream, abjuring violence at the call of the Modi government. I reiterate my appeal to those still wielding guns to surrender at the earliest. We are resolved to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”
Officials said the surrender demonstrates the growing effectiveness of Chhattisgarh’s rehabilitation and outreach programmes, backed by stronger intelligence networks and expanded security presence in Kanker and adjoining districts.
It is noteworthy that over the past few months, hundreds of Maoists have surrendered across Bastar region, signalling declining morale and internal divisions within the banned CPI (Maoist). State officials said the surrendered cadres will receive financial assistance and vocational training under the Chhattisgarh Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, enabling their return to normal life.