Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 22 (HBTV): About 34 Naxals surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, marking a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb Left-Wing Extremism and restore lasting peace in the region. The surrendered Maoist cadres were collectively carrying a reward of INR 84 lakh, Bijapur Police said.
The surrender took place under the state government’s rehabilitation initiative titled ‘Poona Margham: Punarvas Se Punarjeevan’ (Return to the Mainstream: Social Reintegration through Rehabilitation), which focuses on reintegrating former extremists through welfare-based measures. Officials said the move reflects the growing impact of sustained anti-Naxal operations combined with confidence-building efforts.
Among those who laid down arms were 34 Maoists belonging to the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, including seven women and 27 men. In addition to the DKSZC unit, the surrendered cadres included members from the Telangana State Committee and the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) division, indicating that the rehabilitation schemes extend beyond district and state boundaries.
Bijapur district has witnessed notable progress in recent months. Since January 1, 2024, a total of 824 Maoists have surrendered, while 1,079 have been arrested. During the same period, 220 Maoists were killed in separate encounters, underlining the intensified counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Officials attributed the success to the state government’s comprehensive Naxal eradication policy, which balances firm security action with rehabilitation, employment assistance and social reintegration. They reiterated that former cadres willing to abandon violence would continue to be welcomed into the mainstream as authorities work towards long-term peace and stability.
Meanwhile, a sense of renewed hope has emerged in Peddabodkel village in Sukma district following the inauguration of a CRPF camp, bringing security and development to an area once dominated by Naxalite influence. Villagers, who earlier had to travel long distances to access basic services, are now witnessing tangible benefits from healthcare, infrastructure and government welfare schemes.
Nestled amid dense forests and hilly terrain, Peddabodkel was long considered a Naxal stronghold, with authorities finding it difficult to establish a sustained government presence. With the CRPF camp inaugurated on December 10, the national flag now flies in the area for the first time since Independence.
Residents are now availing essential services such as medical care, road connectivity, electricity and clean drinking water, reflecting a broader push to integrate the village into the mainstream.
Sukma Range CRPF DIG Anand Singh Rajpurohit said, ‘You will see that the Peddabodkel camp, which has been opened, is to secure the route from Narsapuram to Raigudem. With the opening of the camp, development will accelerate in the surrounding villages. Electricity, roads and water facilities will be available. The work of the district administration will also progress. We will provide Aadhaar cards and all other facilities inside the camp.’
(ANI)