A MAJOR breakthrough in the fight against Naxalism has taken place in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division, as over 210 Maoists from the Dandakaranya region laid down their arms and embraced the mainstream, marking what officials have hailed as a decisive turning point in the State’s decades-long struggle with Left-Wing Extremism. The event, organised at Jagdalpur Police Lines, was part of the State Government’s comprehensive anti-Naxal policy and the ‘Poona Margeyam - From Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation’ programme. Notably, this is the first instance in the region where such a large contingent of senior Maoist cadres, including a Central Committee member, four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members, 21 Divisional Committee members, and several prominent leaders, surrendered together.

 

With this, a total of 288 Naxalites have quit the path of violence and joined the mainstream in the State in the last three days as 78 others had surrendered on Wednesday. In a symbolic gesture marking the end of an era of violence, the surrendered rebels handed over 153 sophisticated weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles and LMGs. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s multi-pronged anti-Naxal strategy emphasising peace, dialogue, and development laid the foundation for what officials described as “an era of trust, security, and development” in Bastar. The coordinated efforts of the police, security forces, administration, social organisations, and vigilant citizens were credited with transforming the atmosphere from one of violence and fear to dialogue and hope.

 

Addressing a press conference later, CM Sai said 210 brothers and sisters who were misguided and detached from society rejoined the mainstream today, showing faith in the Constitution, the path of non-violence as shown by Mahatma Gandhi, and the State’s rehabilitation policy. At the ceremony, surrendered cadres, among them high-profile Maoists like CCM RupeshaliasSatishandDKSZC memberBhaskar aliasRajman Mandavi,werewelcomedwith the traditional Manjhi-Chaliki ritual.

 

They were honoured withcopiesof theConstitution andredroses,symbolising their faith in democracy and commitment to a peaceful, dignified future. Rupesh, who has been described as the intelligence chief of the Maoist military wing and a notorious bombmaker (full name Takkalappalli Vasudeva Rao, aged 59), arrivedwith his comrades at the Bijapur police headquarters on Thursday evening for an initial surrender. Rupesh’s defection, along with others like woman commander Ranita from the Maad division, represents a major disruption to the Maoist command structure in the region. Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, addressing the gathering as Chief guest, underscored that ‘Poona Margeyam is not just about moving away from Naxalism, but about giving life a new direction.’ He urged the surrendered Maoists to become ambassadors of peace and development in the region.