51 Naxalites surrender in Bijapur, total reward of Rs 66 lakh on 20

In a major breakthrough in the fight against leftist extremism, 51 Naxalites surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday, with a total reward of Rs 66 lakh declared on 20 Naxalites. Officials said the surrender, which also included nine female Naxalites, is an important step in the ongoing peace and rehabilitation efforts by the state government. According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav, the Maoists were inspired by the rehabilitation policy of the government and the development work taking place in the area. Yadav said his decision to leave the path of violence is another important step in the state government’s ongoing campaign to eradicate Naxalism through peace, dialogue and development.

Those who surrendered included five members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 01 and Company No. 01, 02 and 05. The group also included seven members of regional committees and platoons, three members of the Local Organization Squad (LOS), a militia platoon commander, 14 militia platoon members and 20 lower-level workers, the SP said. Officials said many of the surrendered activists were involved in violent incidents and were active in the interior forest areas of Bijapur and surrounding districts. His surrender is expected to significantly weaken the organizational structure of the Maoist network in the region.

The Bastar Range Police’s “Poona Margame” initiative is gaining momentum across Chhattisgarh, where many former Naxalites have opted to surrender rather than continue their violent struggle. Many Naxalites have cited the desire for a peaceful life, better livelihood opportunities and faith in the rehabilitation policies of the government as the main reasons for their decision. Superintendent of Police Yadav said that since January 2024, 650 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur, while 196 were killed in encounters and 986 others were arrested.