In a pivotal move, nine Maoists, including six women, surrendered to the police at Sukma, Chhattisgarh, near the Odisha border.
Collectively, they carried a bounty of Rs 26 lakh on their heads. This act is seen as a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in the region.
Among the surrendered Maoists was Bandhi Madakam, carrying the highest bounty of Rs 8 lakh, followed by Bheti Kani and Padma Sammi, each with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh. Others, including Madvi Hunga, Punem Magandi, Kadati Bajje, Madkam Shanti, Muchaki Mase, and Kadati Hidia, carried bounties of Rs 2 lakh each.
Police officials attribute this development to the intensified security measures, continuous search operations, and the government’s effective rehabilitation and surrender policies. Superintendent of Police Kiran Chauhan remarked that the surrendered individuals would receive Rs 25,000 each as financial aid, along with access to rehabilitation programs. The Maoists cited dissatisfaction with their organization’s ideals as a key reason for their surrender.
This event underscores the diminishing influence of Maoist groups in the region and highlights the growing success of counter-insurgency efforts by the authorities.
