Daijiworld Media Network - Sukma

Sukma, May 27: In a significant development in the fight against insurgency, 18 Naxalites — including 10 with bounties totaling Rs 38 lakh — surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Tuesday.

According to Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, the cadres laid down arms before senior officials from the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The move, he said, was motivated by growing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and frustration over the exploitation and violence inflicted on local tribal communities by the ultras themselves.

“The surrendered Naxalites expressed regret over the inhuman treatment of villagers by Maoists and were inspired by the government's development initiatives, especially the 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme and the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy,” Chavan stated.

Among those surrendering were high-ranking operatives:

• Madkam Aayta (25), a Platoon Party Committee member of PLGA battalion no. 1, and 

• Bhaskar alias Bhogam Lakhha (26), a regular party member in the same battalion — both of whom carried Rs 8 lakh rewards.

Additionally, Madkam Kamlu (25) and Laxman alias Madvi Chhannu (28), both Area Committee members, had bounties of Rs 5 lakh each. Six others were each carrying Rs 2 lakh rewards.

All 18 have been granted an initial assistance of Rs 50,000 and will be rehabilitated in accordance with the government’s policy.

This mass surrender follows a similar trend from last year when 792 Naxalites turned themselves in across Bastar division — which includes Sukma and six other districts — reflecting the increasing impact of sustained counterinsurgency operations and targeted development efforts in affected areas.