What Led to the Surrender of 15 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 15 Maoists surrendered, marking a significant breakthrough.
- Individuals included high-profile operatives with cash rewards.
- Government's revised policy offers extensive support for rehabilitation.
- 'Lon Varratu' and 'Puna Margem' campaigns are crucial for encouraging surrenders.
- Success attributed to community engagement and outreach efforts.
Dantewada, July 24 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement for Chhattisgarh's anti-insurgency and rehabilitation initiatives, 15 Maoists, including five individuals with cash bounties amounting to Rs 17 lakh, surrendered to senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada district on Thursday. This event is being celebrated as a significant victory under the ongoing 'Lon Varratu' and 'Puna Margem' campaigns in the Bastar region.
Among those who surrendered are notable figures such as Budhram alias Lalu Kuharam (Rs 8 lakh), Kamli alias Moti Potavi (Rs 5 lakh), Pojja Madkam (Rs 2 lakh), along with two female cadres - Aayate alias Sangeeta Sodi and Pandey Madvi - each with a Rs 1 lakh bounty, as stated by senior police officer Udit Pushkar.
The Maoist couple Budhram and Kamli had been part of the Maoist movement for over twenty years and were implicated in numerous violent attacks against security personnel, according to Pushkar.
The surrender took place in the presence of Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, DIG Kamlochan Kashyap, and CRPF officer Rakesh Chaudhary, who reaffirmed the government's dedication to rehabilitation.
Under the state's updated policy, those who surrender will be provided with skill development training, support for self-employment, psychological counseling, and security assurances. Since these programs began, a total of 1,020 Maoists have given up their arms across Bastar, including 254 individuals with designated rewards.
The surrendered individuals originate from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts, comprising 824 men and 196 women.
The 'Lon Varratu' campaign, which translates to 'Come Back Home' in the local Gondi dialect, was initiated in 2020 to motivate disheartened Maoists to cease violence and reintegrate into society.
The 'Puna Margem' initiative builds on this by providing structured rehabilitation and livelihood pathways.
Officials attribute this success to consistent outreach, community involvement, and an increasing awareness among Maoist cadres regarding the pointless nature of armed conflict. Many cited internal exploitation, brutal forest conditions, and ideological disillusionment as reasons for their surrender.
The administration has urged the remaining insurgents to follow suit, highlighting that peace, dignity, and development await those who choose reconciliation. This new wave of surrenders is perceived not merely as a tactical victory but as a representation of changing dynamics in Bastar's long-standing fight against extremism.