IN A significant push towards the goal of a Naxal-free Bastar, security forces have registered fresh successes across Dantewada, Sukma, Kanker, Narayanpur and Bijapur districts, with 35 Maoist cadres surrendering and substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition, explosives, and cash from insurgent hideouts. The coordinated developments highlight a steady weakening of Maoist influence in the Bastar region, driven by sustained operations, intelligence-based actions, and rehabilitation initiatives. In Dantewada district, five Maoist cadres, including four women, affiliated with the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), surrendered and joined the mainstream. The cadres carried a combined bounty of Rs 9 lakh. They were identified as ACM Some Kadti, who carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh, along with party members Lakhma Oyam, Sarita Podiyam, Jogi Kalmu, and Moti Oyam, each carrying rewards of Rs 1 lakh. They belonged to the Bhairamgarh and Gangloor area committees of the West Bastar Division. Acting on intelligence provided by the surrendered cadres, security forces conducted operations at multiple locations and recovered a cache of 40 weapons, including SLR rifles, INSAS rifles, one carbine, one .303 rifle, and BGL launchers, among others. Officials described the recovery as a major blow to Maoist military capabilities. The surrendered cadres cited the declining relevance of Maoist ideology and increasing pressure from security forces as key reasons for laying down arms. In Sukma district, two Maoist cadres, each carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, surrendered before senior police officials at the Reserve Police Centre.

 

The cadres—Janila alias Madkam Hindme and Madvi Kosi, members of Company No. 08 of the KKBM Division—expressed their willingness to renounce violence and return to the mainstream. Subsequent intelligence-based operations led to the recovery of a Maoist dump, including Rs 10 lakh in cash and automatic weapons such as one INSAS LMG rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and three .303 rifles, along with ammunition. Officials said sustained operations have forced Maoists to abandon weapons and resources in forested areas, indicating weakening logistical capabilities. In Kanker district, two Maoist cadres surrendered before police. They were identified as Shankar, a Party Platoon Company Member, and Hidma Dodi, a Party Member, both carrying rewards of Rs 8 lakh each. They surrendered along with an AK-47 rifle. Police said intelligence gathered from them will be used to reach out to other active cadres and encourage further surrenders. In Narayanpur district, Bijlu Mandavi (26), a Maoist cadre carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh, surrendered before Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya under the “Maad Bachao Abhiyan.” A resident of Tushwal village under the Barsoor police station area in Bijapur district, he was associated with the North-West Joint Sub-Zonal Bureau TD team and chose to return to the mainstream.

 

In Bijapur district, a total of 25 Naxalites surrendered and joined the mainstream, handing over 93 weapons, including four AK-47 rifles and nine SLRs. Authorities also recovered a major dump valued at Rs 14.06 crore, which included Rs 2.90 crore in cash and 7.2 kg of gold worth Rs 11.16 crore. Under the rehabilitation initiative, each surrendered cadre was provided Rs 50,000 as immediate assistance. Joint operations by district police and security forces in Narayanpur also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and daily-use items from Maoist hideouts. Across all districts, officials attributed the rise in surrenders to sustained security pressure, effective intelligence gathering, and improved rehabilitation policies. Surrendered cadres cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology and hardships within the organisation as key reasons for their decision. Under the State’s rehabilitation policy, surrendered cadres receive Rs 50,000 as immediate assistance, along with additional benefits aimed at ensuring their reintegration into society. Senior officials said initiatives such as “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Renewal” are playing a crucial role in encouraging Maoists to abandon violence and adopt a normal life. They also appealed to remaining cadres to take advantage of the policy and surrender. Officials emphasised that the combined approach of strong security action and rehabilitation support is steadily weakening Maoist networks, reducing their operational strength, and paving the way for lasting peace and development in the Bastar region.