Why Did Six Maoists, Including a Female Insurgent, Surrender in Chhattisgarh?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, six Maoists, including a young female insurgent with a bounty, have surrendered to Chhattisgarh authorities under the 'Lon Varratu' initiative. This campaign aims to reintegrate former rebels into society, offering them support and hope for a new beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Six Maoists surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh.
- The initiative ‘Lon Varratu’ aims to rehabilitate former insurgents.
- The Chhattisgarh government provides financial aid and training.
- 973 Maoists have surrendered since the campaign started.
- Authorities see this as a step towards peace.
Raipur, May 12 (NationPress) Six Maoists, among them a woman with a significant bounty, have officially surrendered to security forces in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, under the initiative known as ‘Lon Varratu’ (Come Back Home), as reported by officials.
On Monday, they handed over their weapons in the presence of Deputy Inspector General Kamalochan Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, and CRPF Commandants Neeraj Yadav (111th Battalion) and Rajiv Kumar (195th Battalion).
The Lon Varratu initiative, part of the Chhattisgarh government's strategy for Naxal eradication and rehabilitation, has played a crucial role in convincing Maoists to forsake their armed activities and return to society. Security personnel, including the CRPF and local police, have actively promoted the rehabilitation program through direct interaction with communities, motivating disenchanted Maoists to come back.
Many rebels, disheartened by the severe realities of forest life and the internal conflicts within Maoist groups, have responded favorably to this campaign. The Chhattisgarh government provides surrendered Maoists with financial aid of Rs 50,000, skill development training, agricultural land, and additional support to facilitate their rehabilitation.
Since the launch of this campaign, 973 Maoists, including 230 with official bounties, have renounced their insurgency and reintegrated into society.
Among the recent surrenderers is Motay Padam, a 19-year-old from the Bijapur Local Organising Squad, who had a Rs 1 lakh bounty on her head. Others include Urmila Kadti (21), Mohan alias Podiya Oyam (39), Sukhram Kadti (25) from the Bechapal Revolutionary People’s Committee (RPC), Deva Ram Kudami (34), a member of the Rewali RPC and the Dandkaranya Kisan Majdoor Sangh, and Mana Ram alias Phupe Markam (32), linked to the Burgum RPC militia.
Authorities perceive the ongoing surge in surrenders as a vital move towards diminishing insurgent networks and restoring tranquility in the region.
Point of View
The recent surrenders of Maoists in Chhattisgarh highlight the effectiveness of the 'Lon Varratu' campaign. It demonstrates the potential for reconciliation and rehabilitation in a region plagued by violence. The government's approach to addressing the grievances of former insurgents is commendable and aligns with a broader strategy to restore peace and stability.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Lon Varratu' campaign?
The 'Lon Varratu' campaign is an initiative by the Chhattisgarh government aimed at encouraging Maoists to surrender and reintegrate into society, providing them with financial support and vocational training.
How many Maoists have surrendered under this campaign?
Since its launch, 973 Maoists, including 230 with official bounties, have surrendered and returned to mainstream society.
What support do surrendered Maoists receive?
Surrendered Maoists receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000, skill development training, and agricultural land as part of their rehabilitation.
What is the significance of these surrenders?
The surrenders are viewed as a crucial step in weakening insurgent networks and fostering peace in Chhattisgarh.
Who were the notable individuals that surrendered recently?
Among those who surrendered were 19-year-old Motay Padam, who had a Rs 1 lakh bounty on her head, and several others from different Maoist factions.
