103 Naxalites Surrender, One Killed in Bijapur Encounter
Largest-ever surrender in Chhattisgarh as cadres join rehabilitation scheme; one Naxalite dies in ongoing gunfight
In a major development in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, 103 Naxalites surrendered to authorities on Thursday, while one cadre was killed in a separate encounter with security forces. The surrendered cadres, including 22 women, cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology and internal disputes within the banned CPI (Maoist) as reasons for giving up arms, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said.
Among the surrendered, 49 were carrying bounties totaling over Rs 1 crore, including divisional and platoon committee members with rewards ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 8 lakh. The surrenders were influenced by development initiatives such as “Poona Margem” rehabilitation program, the “Niyad Nellanar” scheme, and the state’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy. Each cadre received immediate assistance of Rs 50,000, with plans for long-term reintegration into society.
In a separate incident, a Naxalite was killed in an ongoing encounter in the Gangaloor area, where intermittent gunfire continues. Security personnel recovered the body along with a weapon and explosives. With this, 253 Naxalites have been killed in Chhattisgarh this year, including 224 in the Bastar division, 27 in Gariaband, and two in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki.
“The government’s rehabilitation policy and families’ support are encouraging Maoists to shun violence and return to mainstream society,” the SP said, urging more cadres to surrender. So far in Bijapur this year, 410 Naxalites have surrendered while 421 others have been arrested.
