12 Naxals Surrender in Bijapur, Weapons Handed Over, Rewards Total ₹54 Lakh

Bijapur, Chhattisgarh: In a major development in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected Bijapur district, 12 Naxal cadres surrendered to security forces on Thursday, handing over their weapons and opting to return to the mainstream. The surrendering Maoists had a combined bounty of ₹54 lakh on their heads.

Weapons Seized and Cadres Integrated:

Police officials confirmed that the Naxals surrendered under the ongoing ‘Poona Margem’ anti-Maoist campaign, which aims to encourage militants to abandon extremism and reintegrate into society. The surrendered cadres handed over AK-47s, SLR rifles, and ammunition to the security personnel. All belonged to the South Sub-Zonal Bureau of the Maoist network. Among the 12, there were 8 female cadres and 4 male cadres.

Government’s Anti-Maoist Efforts Bearing Fruit:

Since January 1, 2024, a total of 888 Maoists have returned to the mainstream in Bijapur, while 1,163 were arrested and 231 were killed in encounters. Continuous efforts based on peace, dialogue, and development under the state’s comprehensive anti-Naxal policy have contributed to this progress.

Rehabilitation and Incentives:

As part of the rehabilitation process, each surrendered cadre has been provided immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000 to support their transition into mainstream society. Security forces in Bijapur continue operations as part of the state’s sustained anti-Maoist campaign.

Appeal from Police Authorities:

Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav appealed to remaining Maoists to abandon violent ideologies and return fearlessly to the mainstream. “The state government’s ‘Poona Margem’ policy is designed to provide a secure, dignified, and self-reliant future for those who surrender,” he said.