Chhattisgarh achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against insurgency as twelve Maoists, including top Central Committee leader Ramdher Majji, surrendered in Khairagarh Chhuikhadan Gandai district.
Majji, who carried a Rs 1-crore bounty, walked into the Bakarkatta police station with his divisional committee members and laid down arms. Consequently, officials hailed the surrender as a turning point in the battle against Maoist influence.
The group handed over rifles, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, .303 rifles, and carbines. Moreover, six women cadres joined the surrender, underscoring the deep involvement of women in the Maoist ranks. Their names included Lalita, Janaki, Lakshmi, Sheela, Yogita, Kavita, and Sagar, along with senior members Chandu Usendi and Prem.
Police sources revealed that the group had operated in the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) special zonal committee area. They orchestrated attacks and posed a constant threat to law enforcement. As a result, the surrender of Ramdher Majji, considered one of the most formidable challenges for security forces, weakened the Maoist network significantly.
Authorities stated that the MMC zone has virtually collapsed following Majji’s decision to abandon arms. Furthermore, the Maoists, long entrenched in forested belts and remote districts, have faced increasing pressure from coordinated security operations.
Officials emphasised that the surrender of such high-ranking cadres — CCM, DVCM, ACM, and PM members — highlighted the success of intensified campaigns and outreach programmes. They believe this development will encourage more Maoists to follow suit, thereby reducing violence and restoring peace in affected regions.
