NARAYANPUR, Nov 25 IN A major development under the ongoing Anti-Maoist outreach initiative ‘Poona Margem: From Rehabilitation to Reintegration’, a total of 28 Maoist cadres, including 19 women carrying a combined reward of Rs 89 lakh, abandoned violence and joined the social mainstream in Narayanpur district on Tuesday. The initiative, aimed at facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration, continues to gain traction across the Bastar Range. According to the officials, the rehabilitated group comprises cadres of various organisational levels, including a Maad Division DVCM member, military members of PLGA Company No06, Area Committee Members, Technical Team Members, Military Platoon PPCM, Military Platoon members, members of SZCM Bhaskar’s guard team, supply team members, LOS members and members associated with the Janatana Government. All 28 cadres expressed their resolve to embrace peace and contribute to development.

 

As part of the process, three Maoist cadres surrendered three weapons, an SLR, an INSAS rifle and a .303 rifle, marking what officials described as a ‘clear departure from violence’ and a reaffirmation of trust in the rule of law. Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria informed that with Tuesday’s development, the total number of Maoist cadres who have given up violence and joined the mainstream in Narayanpur district has reached 287 in 2025. The cumulative figure, he said, reflects a steady rise in confidence-building efforts and expanding public participation in peace and development processes. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattlingam, said that the rehabilitation of 28 cadres in Narayanpur is indicative of a weakening Maoist ideology and growing acceptance of peaceful progress.

 

He added that people in the region are increasingly placing faith in the Poona Margem initiative, recognising it as a pathway toward dignity, stability, and sustainable growth. He further stated that in the last 50 days alone, more than 512 Maoist cadres across the Bastar Range have renounced violence. The IGP also asserted that remaining Maoist leaders, including Politburo member Devji, Central Committee member Ramder, DKSZC member Pappa Rao, and Deva (Barse Deva) have little option left but to abandon armed activities and join the mainstream.

 

The rehabilitation programme was attended by community elders of Narayanpur, Collector Pratishtha Mamgain, CEO Zila Panchayat Akanksha Shiksha Khalkho, Commandants of the 38th, 43rd, and 53rd Battalions of ITBP; Commandants of the 129th and 135th Battalions of BSF; Additional SP (IPS) Akshay Pramod Sabadra; Additional SP Sushil Kumar Nayak; along with a large gathering of community representatives, media personnel, police officers, and security forces