29 Maoists Surrender in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, as Government's Rehabilitation Drive Gains Momentum
Image Source: Internet
In a significant breakthrough, 29 Maoist cadres have surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, citing the government's 'Poona Margem' rehabilitation initiative as the reason for abandoning violence. The cadres, who were active members of various frontal wings of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), laid down their arms before senior officers of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force. Among the surrendered cadres was Podiam Budhra, the head of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) in the Gogunda area, who carried a reward of ₹2 lakh. The surrendered Maoists belonged to the DAKMS, militia, and Janatana Sarkar wings of the banned group. The recent establishment of a security camp in the Gogunda area has helped intensify anti-Naxal operations, sharply curtailed Maoist movement, and effectively dismantled the Maoists' stronghold in the region. The Sukma superintendent of police, Kiran Chavan, urged other Maoists to shun violence and opt for a secure and dignified life under the rehabilitation policy. This development comes on the heels of 63 Maoists surrendering in Dantewada district on January 8 and 26 cadres laying down arms in Sukma on January 7. Official data reveals that more than 1,500 Maoists have surrendered across Chhattisgarh in 2025, as the Centre aims to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31 this year.
