Sixteen Naxals surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Wednesday, nine of whom carried a combined reward of Rs 48 lakh. The cadres reportedly handed themselves over to senior police officials, expressing disappointment with what they called the “hollow” and “inhuman” Maoist ideology, atrocities against innocent tribals, and mounting pressure from security forces, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria told news agency PTI.
During interrogation, the surrendered Maoists said that top Maoist leaders were misleading tribals and exploiting them instead of protecting land, water, forests, and promoting equality, according to the SP.
Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, said the surrender reflected “winds of change” across Bastar. He added that disillusioned by violence and fear, the youth had chosen peace, education, and development, marking a new beginning for themselves and their families and a step towards lasting peace in the region.
Sundarraj also noted that security efforts, public support, and rehabilitation policies had played a key role in the surrenders and added that this development would encourage many more Maoists to return to the mainstream. Over the past 20 months, a total of 1,837 Naxals have surrendered in the Bastar Range, which covers seven districts, including Narayanpur.
Among those who surrendered on Wednesday, Podiya Markam alias Ratan, a deputy commander of Military Platoon No. 1, along with Manoj Dugga, Sumitra alias Sunny Kursam, and Vanila Farsa, all members of the military company and Gawade alias Diwakar, a divisional committee member, carried a bounty of Rs 8 lakh each. Others, including Budhu alias Kamlesh Usendi, an area committee member, carried Rs 5 lakh, while Madda Kunjam, Ravi alias Gopal Vadde, and Kare Korram carried Rs 1 lakh each.
Earlier, the Union Home Minister, speaking in Bastar, had urged Naxal commanders to shun violence and surrender by March 2026, warning that they would otherwise face intensified operations. He reportedly said, “It’s high time Maoists should give up violence and their decision to surrender will be welcomed by the government with a red carpet.”
(With inputs from Times of India)
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