Major Maoist Surrender in Bastar as Government Deadline Concludes
In a significant development coinciding with the Centre's March 31 deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism, 35 Maoist cadres surrendered across multiple districts of Bastar on Tuesday. Simultaneously, security forces conducted successful operations leading to substantial recoveries from Maoist hideouts, including seven kilograms of gold, cash amounting to Rs 2.9 crore, and 93 weapons of various types.
District-Wise Breakdown of Surrenders
The surrenders were distributed across several Bastar districts, with the highest number recorded in Bijapur. Specifically, 25 cadres surrendered in Bijapur, five in Dantewada, two each in Sukma and Kanker, and one in Narayanpur. This coordinated action represents a notable blow to Maoist infrastructure in the region.
Dantewada: Key Surrenders and Declared Naxal-Free Status
In Dantewada district, five cadres associated with the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) surrendered under the government's "Puna Margam – rehabilitation to rejuvenation" campaign. This group included four women and carried a combined bounty of Rs nine lakh. Police officials stated these individuals were linked to the Bhairamgarh and Gangaloor area committees and originated from Bijapur district.
Intelligence provided by these surrendered cadres, combined with other operational inputs, enabled security forces to recover 40 weapons from Maoist dumps. The recovered arsenal included eight SLR rifles, three INSAS rifles, one carbine, one .303 rifle, and five barrel grenade launchers. Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai declared that with the surrender of what he described as "the last five active Maoists" in the district, Dantewada has now achieved Naxal-free status.
Bijapur: Largest Surrender and Massive Recoveries
Bijapur district witnessed the most substantial surrender operation, with 25 Maoist cadres turning themselves in. Security forces in Bijapur recovered 93 weapons, including four AK-47 rifles and nine SLR rifles. Additionally, they seized a cache valued at Rs 14.06 crore from Maoist dumps, comprising Rs 2.90 crore in cash and 7.2 kilograms of gold worth approximately Rs 11.16 crore.
Sukma: High-Value Surrenders and Organizational Setback
In Sukma district, two women Maoist cadres surrendered before senior police officials. Each of these individuals carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Security forces in Sukma recovered a dump containing Rs 10 lakh in cash, one INSAS LMG, two AK-47 rifles, three .303 rifles, 14 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and 13 rounds of .303 ammunition.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan described the recovery of cash and automatic weapons as a major operational success. He further claimed that the Maoist organizational structure in Sukma district had been "nearly dismantled" as a result of these developments.
Other District Operations and Ongoing Efforts
In Narayanpur district, one cadre surrendered along with one Light Machine Gun (LMG). In Kanker district, two cadres surrendered with an AK-47 rifle. Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha reported that 11 Maoist cadres had returned to the mainstream in the district over the preceding six days.
Police officials acknowledged that approximately 14 Maoists remain active in Kanker district, including DVCM-level cadres identified as Chander and Rupi. Authorities are utilizing information provided by surrendered cadres to contact remaining active members and persuade them to abandon violence and reintegrate into mainstream society.
Appeal for Peace and Rehabilitation
Bastar range Inspector General Sundarraj Pattilingam made a direct appeal to remaining Maoist cadres to abandon violence. He emphasized that only a few hours remained for cadres to choose the path of surrender and rehabilitation under government schemes. The senior police official urged them to adopt peaceful and dignified lives, highlighting the government's commitment to rehabilitation programs.
This coordinated series of surrenders and recoveries marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to address Left Wing Extremism in the Bastar region, particularly as it aligns with the conclusion of the Centre's specified deadline for ending Maoist violence.
