New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on his X platform that 21 Maoists have surrendered in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. This group laid down their arms before security forces in Antagarh the day prior.

In his statement, Shah expressed, “I am pleased to report that 21 Maoists have surrendered in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, along with their weapons. Among them, 13 are senior operatives. I applaud their decision to join the mainstream and renounce violence at the behest of the Modi government. I urge those still armed to surrender soon. Our commitment to eradicate Naxalism remains firm, aiming for completion by March 31, 2026.

This surrender coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement during his 127th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, where he proclaimed that Maoism was nearing its conclusion in India.

The group, which included four division vice committee members, nine area committee members, and eight party members, surrendered a total of 18 weapons. This arsenal included three AK-47 rifles, four self-loading rifles, two INSAS rifles, six .303 rifles, two single-shot rifles, and one Barrel Grenade Launcher.

Among the surrendering Maoists, 13 were women. A prominent member, Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, who has been active in the Keshkal Division under the North Sub-Zonal Bureau, was also part of this group after years of involvement in the Kuemari and Kiskoda areas.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also praised this development on X, stating, “The ‘Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Regeneration’ initiative is transforming Bastar... Today, 21 Naxalites in Kanker district have renounced violence, highlighting the success of our ‘Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy – 2025’ and the ‘Niyad Nella Naar Scheme.’ The government is fully committed to helping surrendered Naxalites reintegrate into society with respect and purpose.”

The group was escorted from Barrebeda village to the police camp early on Sunday, following the surrender of 50 Naxalites at the Kamteda camp a day earlier.

Since January 2025, over 1,200 Maoists have surrendered across Chhattisgarh, yielding more than 900 weapons.

The state’s rehabilitation efforts, which include medical assessments and vocational training, have facilitated over 1,400 returns since 2023.

According to data from the Chhattisgarh Police, the number of surrendered cadres reflects a significant decrease: since January 2025, more than 1,200 cadres have surrendered statewide, resulting in over 900 weapons being turned in—including 150 AK-47s and INSAS rifles.

In Bijapur alone, there have been 410 surrenders by October, while Dantewada recorded 71 in September, driven by disillusionment with Maoist ideology and enhanced security. The results are clear—a 40 percent reduction in Naxal violence nationwide, with incidents in Bastar down 25 percent year-on-year, as noted by HM Shah.