What Led Nine Maoists, Including Four with Rewards, to Surrender in Chhattisgarh?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, nine Maoists, including four with government bounties, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. This move is a part of the ongoing Lon Varratu campaign, aimed at encouraging extremists to return to the mainstream. Discover the details behind this impactful initiative and its broader implications.
Key Takeaways
- Nine Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh
- Four individuals had government-imposed rewards
- Lon Varratu campaign encourages reintegration
- Financial assistance and skill training offered
- A total of 984 Maoists have surrendered since the campaign's launch
Raipur, May 23 (NationPress) Inspired by the Lon Varratu (Come Back Home) initiative taking place in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, a group of nine Maoists, including four individuals marked with rewards, have chosen to surrender, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
The list of those who have surrendered features Anita Potam, affiliated with the Dandakaranya Communication Team; Biju Ram Telam from Kamalur, who is part of the Line of Sight (LOS) unit; and Badru, also called Gorga Kadti, the head of the Toynar Revolutionary People's Committee (RPC) Jantana Sarkar.
The Chhattisgarh government had placed a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on each of these individuals.
Additionally, another surrendered Maoist, Payku Podiyam from Potenar, who was part of the RPC Chetna Natya Manch, carried a reward of Rs 50,000.
Among the surrenderers, one was engaged with the Dandakaranya Communication Team, another in Kamalur LOS under the Bhairamgarh Area Committee, one in Toynar RPC, three in Potenar RPC, two in Bechapal RPC, and one in Rewali RPC under the Malanger Area Committee.
These individuals participated in various activities such as road construction, tree cutting, and erecting Maoist banners, posters, and pamphlets during the Naxal Bandh Week.
Their surrender was made possible through the efforts of high-ranking officials, including Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P. (IPS); Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dantewada Range, Kamalochan Kashyap (IPS); and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Period), CRPF Dantewada Range, Rakesh Kumar, along with other officers, who played a vital role in persuading them to return to the mainstream.
The Lon Varratu campaign, which aims to eradicate Left Wing Extremism, operates under the Chhattisgarh Government's Rehabilitation Policy.
The District Police Force and CRPF have been proactively reaching out to misguided Maoists to encourage their reintegration into society. The government's rehabilitation policy is being actively promoted in villages, resulting in an uptick of high-profile Maoists choosing to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.
Under this rehabilitation initiative, the surrendered Maoists will receive financial aid of Rs 50,000 along with additional benefits provided by the Chhattisgarh government, including skill development training and access to agricultural land.
Since the inception of the Lon Varratu campaign, a cumulative total of 984 Maoists, including 236 individuals with government-imposed bounties, have surrendered and reintegrated into society.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the implications of these surrenders. The Lon Varratu campaign represents a proactive approach by the government to address left-wing extremism. Reintegration efforts reflect a commitment to peace and development, which should be supported and monitored for long-term success.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lon Varratu campaign?
The Lon Varratu campaign, meaning 'Come Back Home', is an initiative by the Chhattisgarh government aimed at encouraging Maoists to surrender and reintegrate into society. It focuses on rehabilitation and support for former rebels.
How many Maoists have surrendered under this campaign?
Since the launch of the Lon Varratu campaign, a total of 984 Maoists, including 236 individuals with bounties, have surrendered and reintegrated into society.
What support do surrendered Maoists receive?
Surrendered Maoists receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 along with skill development training and access to agricultural land as part of the rehabilitation policy.
Who facilitated the recent surrenders?
The recent surrenders were facilitated by senior officials including the Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector Generals who played a crucial role in persuading the individuals to return to mainstream society.
What activities were the surrendered Maoists involved in?
The surrendered Maoists were involved in activities such as road construction, tree cutting, and putting up banners and pamphlets during the Naxal Bandh Week.
