In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, nine Maoists, comprising seven women and two men, formally surrendered before police authorities in Dhamtari district on Friday. This event marks a notable blow to the outlawed outfit's operations in the region, as the cadres handed over an arsenal of weapons and severed ties with the Maoist Odisha state committee.
High-Value Surrender with Rs 47 Lakh Combined Bounty
Raipur range Inspector General Amresh Mishra disclosed that the surrendering individuals were linked to key Maoist structures, including the Nagri and Sitanadi area committees, as well as the Mainpur local guerrilla squad. These groups operate under the Dhamtari–Gariyaband–Nuapada division, a strategic zone spanning Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Notably, the cadres carried a substantial combined reward of Rs 47 lakh on their heads, underscoring their importance within the Maoist hierarchy.
Key Leaders Among the Surrendered Cadres
Among those who surrendered, two prominent figures stood out due to their high bounties and roles. Jyoti, also known as Jaini, aged 28, served as the secretary of the Sitanadi area committee and had a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Similarly, Usha, alias Balamma, aged 45, a divisional committee member, also carried an Rs 8 lakh bounty. The remaining six cadres each had rewards of Rs 5 lakh, while two others were valued at Rs 1 lakh each. Balamma hails from Telangana, whereas the others originate from various districts within Chhattisgarh, highlighting the cross-regional nature of Maoist networks.
Reasons Behind the Surrender
According to IG Mishra, the group expressed deep disillusionment with Maoist ideology and cited the severe hardships of life in dense forests as primary reasons for their decision. They also acknowledged being influenced by the Chhattisgarh state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, which aims to reintegrate former insurgents into mainstream society. Senior police officers formally accepted the surrender in Dhamtari, emphasizing the state's commitment to peaceful resolution.
Weapons Handed Over to Authorities
The surrendering cadres turned in a cache of firearms, demonstrating their break from violent activities. The weapons included two INSAS rifles, two single-loading rifles (SLRs), a carbine, and a muzzle-loading gun. This handover not only reduces the Maoists' operational capacity but also symbolizes a tangible step towards de-escalation in the region.
Impact on Maoist Operations in the Region
IG Mishra asserted that with this latest surrender, the active Maoist base operating across Dhamtari and Gariyaband districts under the Raipur range, as well as in the adjoining Nuapada area of Odisha, has been effectively neutralized. This neutralization has been achieved through a combination of killings, surrenders, and inactivity, significantly weakening the outfit's presence. Police data reveals that 189 Maoists have surrendered in Chhattisgarh so far this year, indicating a growing trend of disillusionment and successful rehabilitation efforts.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in India's internal security landscape, particularly in regions affected by left-wing extremism. It highlights the importance of government policies in encouraging surrenders and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to maintain peace and order.
