Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 22 (HBTV): Twenty-three Naxalites, carrying a cumulative bounty of INR 1.18 crore, surrendered in Sukma district on Saturday. The group includes 14 men and nine women, all identified as hardcore Naxalites, according to officials.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chauhan said, ‘Twenty-three Naxalites have surrendered. All are hardcore Naxalites. They will be provided with facilities as per the government policy. On this occasion, I appeal to all Naxalites to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.’
Earlier, on July 8, an IED bomb planted by Maoists injured two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on the Timapur–Murdanda road under the jurisdiction of Awapalli police station.
The injured CRPF jawans, who were on duty at the time of the explosion, were administered first aid and later shifted to the district hospital in Bijapur for further treatment.
On July 5, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the state government's resolve to eliminate Naxalism and ensure the development of affected regions through improved infrastructure and basic amenities.
‘Our state is rich in every sense. About 44 per cent of the land is forested. The soil is fertile, and our farmers are hardworking. Naxalism was a major obstacle to our progress, but we are overcoming it. For those Naxals who have surrendered, we have designed an excellent rehabilitation policy. Soon, Chhattisgarh will be free from Naxal violence, and regions like Bastar will have roads, electricity, drinking water, and all basic amenities,’ CM Sai said.
According to an official statement from the Government of India, in 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. In major operations conducted in March 2025, 50 Naxals surrendered in Bijapur, 16 were neutralised in Sukma, and 22 were killed in Kanker and Bijapur.
With continued support through Special Central Assistance and targeted development programmes, the government aims to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026.
(ANI)