Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh has witnessed a major turning point in its fight against Naxalism, with 51 Maoists surrendering to authorities. Among them, 20 individuals were high-value targets, carrying a combined bounty of Rs 66 lakh, signifying their importance within the banned organization. This large-scale surrender, including nine women, is a testament to the effectiveness of the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ (rehabilitation for social integration) program initiated by the Bastar Range Police. According to the Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Kumar Yadav, the surrendered Maoists were motivated by the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and the tangible development seen across the region. Their decision to abandon violence is seen as a critical step towards eradicating Naxalism through peaceful dialogue and inclusive development, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a lasting peace.
