Daijiworld Media Network - Dantewada

Dantewada, Jul 24: In a major stride towards peace and stability in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Bastar region, 15 Maoists, including five with cash rewards totaling Rs 17 lakh, surrendered before senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada on Thursday.

Among those who laid down arms were high-profile operatives like Budhram alias Lalu Kuharam (Rs 8 lakh bounty), his partner Kamli alias Moti Potavi (Rs 5 lakh), Pojja Madkam (Rs 2 lakh), and two women cadres, Aayate alias Sangeeta Sodi and Pandey Madvi, both with Rs 1 lakh rewards on their heads.

The surrender was carried out in the presence of Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai, DIG Kamlochan Kashyap, and CRPF officer Rakesh Chaudhary, who highlighted the state’s commitment to reintegrating surrendered Maoists into mainstream society through rehabilitation schemes.

Part of 'Lon Varratu' and 'Puna Margem' campaigns

This development is being seen as a major milestone under the 'Lon Varratu' (“Come Back Home” in Gondi) and ‘Puna Margem’ (New Path) initiatives — dual state-run efforts aimed at persuading Maoists to abandon violence in favour of rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Budhram and Kamli, a couple deeply entrenched in Maoist activities for over two decades, were reportedly involved in several deadly attacks on security forces. Their surrender marks a symbolic turning point in the region’s battle against left-wing extremism.

Promises of rehabilitation and support

As per the state’s revised surrender policy, the surrendered Maoists will receive:

• Skill development training
• Self-employment assistance
• Psychological counselling
• Security guarantees

Police officer Udit Pushkar noted that since the start of the initiative, 1,020 Maoists have surrendered across Bastar, 254 of whom carried rewards, with 824 being men and 196 women.

Growing disillusionment among cadres

Officials say many of the surrendered cadres cited ideological disillusionment, exploitation by senior ranks, and the harshness of jungle life as their primary reasons for quitting the movement.

The surrendered Maoists hailed from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur — districts long plagued by Naxalite activity.

A turning point in Bastar

Authorities are treating this as more than just a tactical win. “This reflects a shifting mindset among insurgents who now see a life of peace, dignity, and opportunity beyond the gun,” an official said.

Appealing to others still in the Maoist fold, the administration has reiterated that the path of reconciliation is open, and that the government stands ready to support those who choose to return.

This latest wave of surrenders is being hailed as a strategic and symbolic breakthrough in Chhattisgarh’s enduring fight against extremism.