What Led to Sixteen Maoists Surrendering in Chhattisgarh?

Raipur, June 2 (NationPress) In a notable development, sixteen Maoists, comprising two prominent insurgents, have chosen to surrender in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. This event signifies a considerable blow to the Maoist insurgency in the area.

Among those who surrendered, a man and a woman each had bounties of Rs 8 lakh, while others had various rewards, culminating in a total of Rs 25 lakh. The surrender occurred on Monday in front of senior police and CRPF officials in Sukma district.

Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan indicated that the surrender was influenced by the Chhattisgarh government's 'Niyad Nellnar' initiative, designed to foster development in remote villages.

The ongoing crackdown on Maoist activities has led to an increase in surrenders, as insurgents feel heightened pressure from security forces.

Among the individuals surrendering was Rita alias Dodi Sukki, a 36-year-old from the Maoists' Central Regional Committee (CRC) Company Number Two, and Rahul Punem, a member of the PLGA Battalion Number One, both with a reward of Rs 8 lakh.

Furthermore, Lekam Lakhma had a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, while three others—Sodi Chula, Telam Kosa, and Dodi Hurra—were each valued at Rs 2 lakh. Nine of the surrendered Maoists originated from Kerlapenda Gram Panchayat, which is now declared Maoist-free following their surrender.

Under the state’s rehabilitation policy, villages facilitating the surrender of Maoists qualify for development projects worth Rs 1 crore. Authorities are committed to diminishing the insurgency through ongoing operations and rehabilitation programs. The surrender of these Maoists is recognized as a pivotal step towards re-establishing peace and stability in the area.

Security forces continue to remain vigilant, urging more insurgents to forsake extremist actions and reintegrate into mainstream society.

On May 27, a total of 18 Maoists, including four linked with Battalion No. 1, surrendered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the influence of the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme.

According to Sukma SP Kiran G Chavan, Maoists from four different battalions, including those active in South Bastar, opted to abandon the insurgency. He encouraged others to follow suit, emphasizing that those who surrender will gain benefits from state government rehabilitation schemes.

Following the elimination of Basvaraju, a notorious Maoist with a Rs 1.5 crore bounty on his head, more surrenders are anticipated, stated the officer.

This surrender stems from the 'Lon Varratu' (Come Back Home) campaign initiated by the government and actively promoted by security forces. Lon Varratu translates to come back home, as officers engage with Maoists, especially the youth, encouraging them to renounce arms and join the path of development.