Did Over 1,000 Maoists Surrender Under the 'Lon Varratu' Drive in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada?

Dantewada, July 9 (NationPress) In a significant milestone for Chhattisgarh's counter-insurgency and rehabilitation initiatives, the authorities in Dantewada have reported that over 1,000 Maoists have surrendered as part of the state's prominent 'Lon Varratu' (Come Back Home) campaign, officials disclosed.

Initiated in June 2020, this program has achieved a remarkable feat, with 1,005 former insurgents choosing to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society, according to officials.

Among the surrendered, there are 813 men and 192 women.

Notably, 249 of the surrendered Maoists were previously on the government's bounty list, with rewards totaling nearly Rs 5 crore.

During a joint press briefing held here, Bastar range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kamal Lochan Kashyap, CRPF Dantewada Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Rakesh Choudhary, and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai announced that on July 9, an additional 12 Maoists, including nine with bounties, surrendered to senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada.

This group included high-ranking members such as a divisional committee member from West Bastar, an associate from a medical team, and a section commander from the Maad division.

A couple of Maoists also surrendered together.

The campaign's objective is to persuade disillusioned Maoists to forsake violence and re-enter civil society, witnessing participation from insurgents across Dantewada and adjoining districts like Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur.

Officials credit the program's success to a mix of ongoing security operations, community engagement, and the state's comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.

The surrendered Maoists receive Rs 50,000 as immediate financial assistance, along with opportunities for skill development, access to agricultural land, housing, and healthcare.

Authorities indicate that the campaign has resonated emotionally with many cadres who have become disenchanted with the Maoist ideology, internal exploitation, and the challenges of jungle life.

This initiative has also benefited from strategic pressure from security forces and an increasing awareness among tribal communities regarding the advantages of peace and progress.

The Dantewada police, supported by CRPF battalions and intelligence units, have been instrumental in facilitating these surrenders.

Officials reaffirmed that the campaign will persist, providing a respectful pathway back to society for those who choose to renounce violence.

The 'Lon Varratu' campaign serves as a powerful example of the effectiveness of dialogue, trust-building, and inclusive governance in resolving long-standing insurgencies.