Raipur, Oct 29 (NationPress) In a remarkable development in Chhattisgarh's anti-Naxal initiative, 21 Maoists operating in North Bastar surrendered to the authorities on Wednesday, relinquishing a total of 18 firearms.

The surrender event, hosted at Junglewar College, featured a symbolic red-carpet reception, highlighting the state's evolving strategy towards rehabilitation and reintegration.

Bastar Inspector General of Police Sundarraj personally welcomed the surrendered individuals into society, presenting each with a copy of the Constitution, a gesture aimed at reaffirming their role in a democratic framework.

IGP Sundaraj informed IANS, "Today, in the northern sub-divisional area of Kanker district, including the Utter Bastar region and Keskel division, a total of 21 Naxalites have surrendered. Among them are 13 women and 8 men, along with 18 weapons, which include AK-47s, INSAS, SLRs, and other arms. We and various sectors of the community welcome them; we urge all remaining Maoist members to return to the mainstream and engage in developmental activities. We will provide them protection according to our policy, but those who refuse to surrender will face the full might of our forces."

This initiative is part of a larger policy shift this month, where law enforcement has prioritized surrender over armed confrontations, sending a clear message: those who choose to abandon violence will be embraced, while those who resist will encounter the full extent of the law. The effects of this revised approach have been swift and significant.

Earlier this month, 208 Maoists gave themselves up in Jagdalpur, bringing along 109 weapons.

The recent surrender in Kanker district saw two area committees laying down their arms simultaneously, further indicating a decline in the insurgent influence in the area.

IGP Sundarraj emphasized the significant reduction in the Maoist leadership structure. "There was a time when the Politburo and Central Committee included 45 members. By early 2025, that number dwindled to 18. Currently, only 6 to 7 remain hidden in the forests of South Bastar," he stated.

He appealed to those still in hiding to surrender while they still can, cautioning that security forces, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), are fully prepared to neutralize any remaining threats.

The surrender of these 21 Maoists is not merely a tactical victory but a poignant moment in the ongoing struggle against left-wing extremism.

It signifies a growing disillusionment within their ranks and a readiness to return to civilian life.

Authorities are confident that sustained pressure, combined with compassionate outreach, is gradually dismantling the ideological and operational framework of the movement.

As this campaign progresses, the administration remains dedicated to balancing firmness with compassion - providing a pathway back to peace for those willing to abandon violence.

The laid out red carpet is more than just ceremonial; it is a beacon towards a future where governance supersedes guns.