Raipur/Narayanpur, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a significant achievement under the 'Poona Margam: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation' program, a total of 11 Maoist members—comprising six men and five women—surrendered to Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya (IPS) on Wednesday. This marks a substantial setback for left-wing extremism in the Bastar region.

The surrendered individuals had a collective bounty of Rs 37 lakh and included notable figures such as three Military Company Members, each carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, one Area Committee Member with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, and seven Party Members/Protective Personnel, as reported by police.

The group was active in the Mad Division and GRB Division areas, according to officials.

Each surrendered Maoist received an immediate incentive of Rs 50,000 and will be eligible for benefits under the Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy.

The group included individuals such as Boda Wadde alias Bhima (Rs 8 lakh), Namesh Mandavi alias Dilip (Rs 8 lakh), Somari Mandavi alias Rita (Rs 8 lakh), and Siyaram Salam alias Akash (Rs 5 lakh).

Other members were Meera Mandavi, Sannu Podiyam, Somari Alami, Suddi Alami, Saklu Usendi, Budri Uika, and Tulsi Potam (each with bounties ranging from Rs 1-2 lakh).

Police attributed these surrenders to intensified anti-Naxal operations, the establishment of forward security camps in sensitive areas, rapid infrastructure advancements—including new road construction—and better access to government schemes in the remote villages of Mad and Narayanpur districts.

This surrender marks the total of 298 Maoist cadres from various ranks who have surrendered in Narayanpur district alone in 2025, indicating a growing trend towards peace and development.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, stated, “The surrender of these 11 cadres demonstrates that the violent, anti-people Maoist ideology is nearing its end. People are choosing peace, dignity, and sustainable progress by trusting the ‘Poona Margam’ initiative. The Chhattisgarh and Central governments, along with Bastar Police, local administration, and security forces, are fully committed to restoring peace, ensuring proper rehabilitation, and driving inclusive development.”

Officials described these surrenders as a clear indication of the diminishing Maoist influence under sustained pressure from security forces and attractive rehabilitation measures, reinforcing the state's efforts to transform conflict-affected areas into centers of progress.