Major Blow to Naxals in Sukma: 29 Bounty-Holding Maoists Surrender

Raipur, Chhattisgarh:
In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s most Naxal-affected district, 29 Maoists, including a ₹2 lakh bounty-holder, surrendered to security forces in Sukma on Wednesday. They laid down their arms and returned to the mainstream, embracing peace and development, according to police officials.

The surrendered Maoists were active in the Kerala Pal Area Committee under the Gogunda region of Sukma district. Among them, Pordiyam Budhra, president of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan in Gogunda Panchayat, carried a bounty of ₹2 lakh. Officials said these cadres had been involved in several major Naxal-related incidents in the district.

Role of Security Camps in the Surrender

Authorities highlighted that the establishment of security camps in the Gogunda area played a crucial role in this mass surrender. Following the camps’ setup, continuous anti-Naxal operations and sustained pressure significantly curtailed Maoist activities. This led to disillusionment among cadres, prompting them to surrender.

The camps also enabled security forces to destroy Maoist hideouts, previously considered safe due to the region’s challenging terrain. Effective operations and consistent pressure weakened the organization’s influence, producing tangible results.

Development and Governance Boost Confidence Among Villagers

Officials noted that with strengthened security, government welfare and development schemes are now reaching villages effectively, enhancing public trust in administration. The surrender has also dismantled the support system of the Darbha Division Maoists, signaling the final stages of de-Naxalisation in the Kerala Pal Area Committee.

Incentives for Surrendered Maoists

Under the Chhattisgarh Naxal Surrender / Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy – 2025, each surrendered Maoist will receive ₹50,000 as incentive along with other rehabilitation benefits.

Earlier, on January 9, 63 Maoists surrendered in Dantewada. In 2025 alone, over 1,500 Maoists in Chhattisgarh have laid down arms, marking a decisive shift in the state’s anti-Naxal strategy.