In a significant development, 30 Naxalites, including nine with a combined bounty of Rs 39 lakh on their heads, surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Tuesday, according to police sources.
Among those who surrendered were six women, who cited their disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and their dissatisfaction with the atrocities committed by Maoists on tribal communities. They made their decision public before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials.
The surrender was also attributed to the impressive rehabilitation policy implemented by the police, which seemed to have swayed the Naxalites.
The surrendered cadres included Mitki Kakem, also known as Sarita (35), a member of Maoist military company no. 2, and Muri Muhnda, alias Sukhmati (32), a member of platoon no. 32. Both had bounties of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads.
Additionally, Rajita Vetti (24), Deve Kovasi (24), Ayta Sodhi (22), and Sinu, a member of battalion no. 1 of the Maoists, carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads. The remaining members, Munna Hemla (35), Aytu Midiam (38), and Aytu Karam (50), were involved in leading 'janatana sarkar' (people's government) groups of the Maoists and had rewards of Rs 1 lakh each.
Notably, these nine surrendered cadres were allegedly involved in several attacks on security personnel.
As part of the surrender process, each of the surrendered Naxalites was provided with Rs 25,000, and they will now be rehabilitated according to the government's policy.
This development marks a total of 76 Naxalites renouncing violence in the district this year alone, signaling a positive trend towards peace and stability in the region.
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