22 Naxals surrender in Sukma

Sukma

In a major step towards restoring peace in Chhattisgarh’s conflict zones, 22 Naxals, including nine women, surrendered in Sukma district on Friday. They laid down arms in the presence of Superintendent of Police Kiran Gangaram Chavan.

SP Chavan confirmed that the surrendered Naxals belonged to the Maad region of Chhattisgarh and the Nuapada division of Odisha. "The surrendered Naxalites hail from Maad (Chhattisgarh) and Nuapada (Odisha) divisions. The Naxalites will be given all the benefits provided by the government. There are Naxalites of different ranks who have surrendered. Some Naxalites have a bounty of Rs 5 lakhs, while others have a bounty of Rs 8 lakhs," he stated.

This surrender follows a similar event earlier in Dantewada, where 26 Maoists gave up arms under the state’s 'Lon Varratu' campaign, aimed at reintegrating extremists into society.

The government has introduced a special rehabilitation policy offering Rs 50,000 in immediate support, skill development, agricultural land, and housing.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently said the government’s sincere rehabilitation efforts have led to the surrender of about 1,314 Naxalites.

Speaking at a development event, he added, "About 1,314 Naxalites have surrendered, and the government is doing justice to them. We have separately arranged 15,000 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for them... we are also working on their skill development... We also give them jobs in third and fourth classes of government organisations as per their qualification." Officials hope such measures will help end Naxalism and restore lasting peace.

QUOTE

I appeal to the Naxalites to lay down their arms as soon as possible and join the mainstream by adopting the surrender policy of the Modi government. We are determined to free the country from the scourge of Naxalism before March 31, 2026.

-         Amit Shah, Union Home Minister