In a major breakthrough for the state’s anti-insurgency efforts, 18 Maoists, including four members from the notorious Battalion No. 1, surrendered in Sukma district under the influence of the government’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ rehabilitation initiative.
According to Sukma Superintendent of Police, Kiran G. Chavan, the surrendered Maoists belonged to four different battalions, including those operating in South Bastar. The SP credited the success to ongoing outreach efforts and urged more insurgents to renounce violence and return to the mainstream.
He emphasized that those who surrender are eligible for comprehensive support under various state-run rehabilitation schemes, which include financial aid, vocational training, and job opportunities.
The officer noted that the recent death of top Maoist commander Basvaraju—who carried a bounty of ₹1.5 crore—has weakened the insurgency’s leadership and is likely to prompt further defections.
The surrenders are part of the larger ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign, which translates to “Return to Your Roots.” Under this initiative, security forces engage directly with Maoists, especially younger members, encouraging them to lay down arms and embrace development and peace.
As part of the state’s reintegration plan, former insurgents are offered skill development training and employment in government departments, helping them rebuild their lives and rejoin society.
In a related development last Monday, 26 Maoists surrendered in Narayanpur district, including three carrying a combined reward of ₹4.5 lakh. Among them were five women, each with a bounty of ₹1 lakh, who were once active members of various regional Maoist committees. The women cited years of hardship and growing disenchantment with extremist ideology as reasons for their decision to abandon violence.
Authorities praised the move, hoping it would inspire others to follow suit. Many of the surrendered individuals had previously been involved in disruptive activities, including sabotage and propaganda. However, under the ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign, they have now chosen a path of peace.
Since the launch of the campaign, a total of 953 Maoists have surrendered in Dantewada district alone, including 224 with bounties on their heads.
The state government’s rehabilitation policy—actively supported by the police, senior officials, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)—continues to play a key role in encouraging both misled youth and hardened insurgents to return to a peaceful, lawful life.
Authorities see the growing number of surrenders as a hopeful indicator that lasting peace may be within reach in the region.
