Sixteen Maoists, including two hardcore members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-affected Sukma district on Monday.
Among them, six carried significant bounties, with rewards totalling Rs 25 lakh.
The surrender ceremony took place at the Sukma district police headquarters, attended by senior law enforcement officials, including Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan and CRPF battalion officers. Officials attribute the mass surrender to the success of the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, the Niyad Nellanar initiative, heightened security operations, and growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology.
Among the surrendered cadres, notable figures include Rita alias Dodi Sukki, a 36-year-old female cadre with a reward of ₹8 lakh, and Rahul Punem, an 18-year-old PLGA battalion member, also carrying a bounty of ₹8 lakh. Other prominent surrenders include Lekam Lakhma, Sodi Chula, Telam Kosa, and Dodi Hurra, each with individual bounties ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.
Authorities stated that increased police presence in remote areas and growing awareness among local communities have contributed significantly to the weakening of Maoist influence. Under the new rehabilitation policy, surrendered Maoists will receive financial incentives of Rs 50,000 along with reintegration assistance, livelihood opportunities, and security support.
Speaking on the development, SP Kiran Chavan remarked, “We welcome them back into society and will ensure their complete rehabilitation. Our efforts remain focused on maintaining lasting peace and stability in the region.”
Security forces continue their operations against extremist factions, aiming to encourage more insurgents to lay down arms and embrace peaceful reintegration into mainstream society.
