Raipur/Dantewada, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a remarkable advancement for anti-Naxal initiatives and peace endeavors in Chhattisgarh's Bastar area, 63 Maoist operatives, including 36 individuals facing bounties totaling Rs 1.19 crore, voluntarily surrendered to security forces on Friday.

The surrender event was held at the District Reserve Guard office in Dantewada.

This group included 18 women and 45 men, who had been active in the Darbha Division, South Bastar, West Bastar, Maad Division, and certain regions of neighboring Odisha.

Among the surrendering members, seven had bounties of Rs eight lakh each, seven had Rs five lakh, eight had Rs two lakh, eleven had Rs one lakh, and three had Rs 50,000, according to police reports.

This mass surrender is credited to the ongoing 'Puna Margam' campaign, which translates to Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation, initiated by the Dantewada Police to motivate Maoists to forsake violence and reintegrate into society.

Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, hailed this initiative as a pivotal move towards achieving enduring peace, dignity, and comprehensive development in the region.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) CRPF Dantewada Range, Rakesh Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police Dantewada, Gaurav Rai, and commandants from the CRPF's 111th, 195th, and 230th Battalions, along with Additional Superintendent of Police, Ramkumar Barman, and other officials.

Forces such as the DRG, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF played a crucial role in persuading the cadres to surrender.

According to Chhattisgarh's Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, each surrendered member will receive Rs 50,000 in assistance along with skill development training, agricultural land, and additional facilities from the state government.

Among those who surrendered were senior members with extensive histories of participation in violent acts. Divisional Committee Members (DVCM) Mohan Kadti was involved in numerous attacks dating back to 2005, including ambushes and homicides.

Female DVCM Sumitra Kadti, also known as Draupadi, and People's Party Committee member (PPCM) Hungi, alias Ankita, were associated with several encounters and arson incidents.

Others had roles in IED explosions, vehicle burnings, road blockades, and propaganda efforts.

Authorities reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India, the Chhattisgarh government, the Dantewada Police, the CRPF, and local administration to fostering peace through sustained operations and inclusive development. This surrender is regarded as a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to render Bastar Naxal-free.