A significant development in the fight against left-wing extremism occurred in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, as 51 Naxalite cadres surrendered to authorities. Notably, 20 of these individuals were wanted, carrying a collective bounty of Rs 66 lakh. This mass surrender, which included nine women, represents a major victory for the state’s peace and rehabilitation agenda. Officials believe the Maoists were persuaded by the visible progress and development initiatives implemented across the Bastar region, alongside attractive government rehabilitation schemes. The surrender took place under the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ initiative, a Bastar Range Police-led program focused on social integration and rehabilitation for those wishing to leave extremist activities. The surrendered cadres belonged to various Maoist units, including the elite PLGA battalion 01 and local command structures. Their move away from violence is anticipated to weaken the Naxalite movement’s foothold in interior forest areas. The ‘Poona Margem’ initiative has proven increasingly effective, contributing to 650 surrenders in Bijapur alone this year.
