103 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh on Gandhi Jayanti, Marking Major Blow to Left-Wing Extremism

Raipur, Oct 2025 : In a significant breakthrough in the fight against left-wing extremism, 103 Maoists surrendered before senior police and paramilitary officials in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Gandhi Jayanti.

The mass surrender is being hailed as a turning point in the state’s counter-insurgency efforts, aimed at dismantling the Maoist network that has operated in the region for decades.

Key Maoist Leaders Among Surrendered Cadres

Of the 103 who laid down arms, 49 Maoists carried rewards amounting to ₹1.06 crore. The group included several high-ranking cadres such as Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCMs), Area Committee Members (ACMs), militia commanders, and members of the Jantana Sarkar (people’s government).

The surrender took place under the state-led rehabilitation initiative Puna Narkom (New Path), which encourages Maoists to shun violence and reintegrate into society. The event was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Kamalochan Kashyap, DIG CRPF Sector Bijapur B.S. Negi, SP Bijapur Jitendra Kumar Yadav, and commandants of CRPF and CoBRA battalions.

As part of the rehabilitation package, each surrendered Maoist received a ₹50,000 cheque to support their transition back to civilian life.

Why the Rebels Chose Surrender

Officials noted that the decision to surrender stemmed from growing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology, internal divisions within the group, and the yearning for a peaceful family life. The deaths of senior Maoist leaders in recent encounters, coupled with declining public support, have further eroded the organisation’s strength.

The high number of RPC (Revolutionary People’s Committee) members among the surrendered highlights a deeper shift in the Maoist operational base.

Government Strategy Showing Results

The Chhattisgarh government’s multi-pronged strategy—including the establishment of new security camps, expansion of road networks, and improved access to electricity, drinking water, and healthcare—has been instrumental in weakening Maoist influence.

Initiatives such as the ‘Niyed Nella Nar Scheme’ (Our Village, Our Way) and widespread awareness campaigns about rehabilitation policies have also encouraged rebels to join the mainstream.

Declining Maoist Footprint

Bijapur district alone has seen remarkable progress this year. Since January 2025, security operations have led to the arrest of 421 Maoists, the surrender of 410, and the death of 137 in encounters. Over the past two years, cumulative figures across the region stand at 924 arrests, 599 surrenders, and 195 deaths.

Symbolic Defeat of an Ideology

Officials described the Gandhi Jayanti surrender as not just a tactical victory but a symbolic defeat of a violent ideology that once thrived on fear, misinformation, and coercion.

By laying down arms, the surrendered Maoists signaled a growing aspiration for peace, development, and reintegration into society—marking a decisive step in Chhattisgarh’s battle against extremism.