Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district has seen a major decline in Naxalite activity with the surrender of 41 cadres on Wednesday. The significant development includes 12 women and a substantial monetary value, as 32 of the surrendered rebels collectively carried bounties amounting to Rs 1.19 crore. These individuals chose to renounce violence and join the mainstream, presenting themselves to senior police officials.
The success is largely credited to the state’s forward-thinking surrender and rehabilitation policy and the ‘Poona Margham’ (meaning rehabilitation for social reintegration) drive by the Bastar police. Police officials highlighted that the cadres were motivated by the prospect of a dignified life and the opportunities provided by these schemes. They have formally pledged allegiance to the Indian Constitution.
An in-depth look at the surrendered group reveals a diverse range of responsibilities within the Maoist hierarchy. Among them were members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalions, area committee members, platoon leaders, and militia commanders. The majority, 39 individuals, were affiliated with the south sub-zonal bureau, extending their influence across the Dandakaranya special zonal committee, Telangana state committee, and the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada divisions.
The financial implications of this surrender are considerable. Nine top Naxalites, including individuals like Bandi Hapka and Sukhram Hemla, were each carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward. Further breakdown shows bounties of Rs 5 lakh for three, Rs 2 lakh for twelve, and Rs 1 lakh for eight other cadres, accumulating to the massive Rs 1.19 crore.
This latest surrender is part of a larger trend, with 790 Maoist cadres having quit violence in Bijapur since the beginning of 2024. This brings the total number of Maoist surrenders in Chhattisgarh to over 2,200 in the past 23 months, indicating a significant weakening of the insurgency in the region.