Narayanpur, Jul 12: In a major success for anti-Maoist operations, 22 Naxalites active in the dense Abhujmad forest region surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday. The surrendered cadres, who carried a combined bounty of Rs 37.5 lakh, belonged to the Kutul, Nelnar, and Indravati area committees under the Maad division of the banned Maoist outfit.
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The surrender took place in the presence of senior officials from the police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
According to Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria, the Naxalites expressed disillusionment with the Maoist ideology, citing growing internal conflicts and the lack of direction within the group.
The surrendered rebels were also influenced by increasing development work in the Maad region, including rapid road construction and improved infrastructure, which motivated them to join the mainstream and lead normal lives.
Among those who surrendered, Manku Kunjam (33), a divisional committee member, carried the highest reward of Ra8 lakh. Three area committee members-Hidme Kunjam (28), Punna Lal alias Boti (26), and Saniram Korram (25)-had bounties of Rs 5 lakh each. Eleven others carried Rs 1 lakh rewards, and seven had bounties of Rs 50,000 each.
The surrender was facilitated through coordinated efforts by Narayanpur Police, the District Reserve Guard, BSF, and ITBP. Each surrendered Naxalite received immediate assistance of Rs 50,000 and will be rehabilitated under the government's surrender and reintegration policy.
This latest development brings the total number of Naxalites who have surrendered in Narayanpur district to 132 so far this year.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the move, calling it a testament to the success of the government’s renewed anti-Naxal strategy and public welfare schemes. “The dream of a Naxal-free Maad is becoming a reality,” he said, adding that 1,476 Maoists have surrendered since the formation of the BJP government in December 2023.
Highlighting the role of initiatives like 'Niyad Nellnar' (meaning 'Your Good Village'), the CM said such programs have restored trust among people and encouraged them to abandon violence. “We are fully committed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of these individuals and to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026,” Sai added.
