Chhattisgarh Naxal surrender | Twenty-two Naxalites operating in Chhattisgarh’s remote Abhujmad region surrendered before security forces in Narayanpur district on Friday, giving a significant boost to anti-Naxal operations in the area. The surrendered cadres belonged to the Kutul, Nelnar, and Indravati area committees under the Maoist Maad division and collectively carried a reward of ₹37.5 lakh on their heads.
According to Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria, the rebels turned themselves in before officials of the police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The surrender included Manku Kunjam (33), a divisional committee member with an ₹8 lakh bounty, and three area committee members—Hidme Kunjam (28), Punna Lal alias Boti (26), and Saniram Korram (25)—each carrying rewards of ₹5 lakh.
Eleven others had bounties of ₹1 lakh, while the remaining seven were listed with rewards of ₹50,000.
Disillusionment With Maoist Ideology and Push From Development Cited
Police said the surrendered cadres expressed disappointment with the “hollow” Maoist ideology and internal conflicts within the banned outfit. They were also influenced by rapid development in the Maad region, particularly infrastructure projects like road construction.
All 22 individuals have been provided immediate assistance of ₹50,000 each and will be rehabilitated under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
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“This is a major success for Narayanpur police, DRG, ITBP, and BSF. The vision of a Naxal-free Maad is taking shape,” SP Guria said.
With this latest development, a total of 132 Naxalites have surrendered in Narayanpur district this year alone.
CM Hails Government Policy and Welfare Schemes
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the surrender, saying it reflects the growing desire among Maoists to leave violence behind and embrace development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
“Twenty-two Naxalites carrying rewards of ₹50,000 to ₹8 lakh have surrendered. Since our government took office in December 2023, 1,476 Maoists have surrendered,” Sai said in a statement.
He attributed the success to revised surrender policies and welfare schemes like ‘Niyad Nellnar’ (Your Good Village), which have instilled confidence among people in affected areas.
“We are fully committed to rehabilitating those who give up arms and return to the mainstream,” the Chief Minister added.