Raipur : In a major step forward for peace and stability in the Bastar region, 28 Maoist cadres — including 19 women — surrendered in Narayanpur district on Tuesday under the Puna Margem: Rehabilitation to Regeneration initiative. The group carried a combined reward of ₹89 lakh, making this one of the most significant mass surrenders in recent months.
The programme, implemented jointly by the Chhattisgarh Government, the Government of India, Bastar Police, local administration, and security forces, focuses on breaking the cycle of violence through rehabilitation, reintegration, and inclusive development. Officials hailed the development as another decisive stride toward lasting peace in the insurgency-affected region.
According to police, the surrendering cadres belonged to various organisational ranks within the Maoist setup, including Maad Division DVCM, PLGA Company No. 06 military member, Area Committee Member, Technical Team Member, Military Platoon PPCM, Military Platoon Member, SZCM Bhaskar Guard Team Party Member, Supply Team Member, LOS Member, and Jantana Sarkar Members. All expressed a firm resolve to abandon the path of violence and contribute to societal progress.
In a symbolic act of trust, three cadres surrendered with weapons, handing over an SLR, an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle to security forces.
Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya said that with this latest development, the district has recorded 287 Maoist surrenders in 2025 alone. “The process of trust, peace, and development is steadily gaining momentum,” he added.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattilingam said that the rehabilitation of these 28 cadres signals a significant weakening of the Maoist movement. He noted that over 512 cadres across Bastar have surrendered in the past 50 days, underscoring a sharp decline in support for violent ideology. “The remaining Maoist leadership, including Politburo member Devji and Central Committee member Ramdar, will eventually have no option but to join this path of peace,” he said.
The event saw participation from senior district and security officials, including Collector Pratishtha Mamgai, CEO District Panchayat Akanksha Shiksha Khalkho, commanders from ITBP and BSF, Additional SP Akshay Pramod Sabaddra, and Sushil Kumar Nayak, alongside hundreds of community representatives.
The surrender ceremony reaffirmed a growing consensus across government agencies, security forces, and local communities: Bastar is witnessing a decisive shift toward peace, trust, and development under the Puna Margem initiative.
