Historic Day in Bastar’s Fight Against Naxalism: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Welcomes Cadres Who Chose the Constitution Over Guns

210 Naxal Cadres Surrender with 153 Weapons; New Era of Peace, Development, and Trust Begins in Bastar

Raipur, Oct 2025 : In a landmark moment for Chhattisgarh and the entire nation, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the surrender of 210 Maoist cadres in Bastar as a historic milestone in the state’s ongoing mission to eradicate Naxalism. The surrendered cadres, who once walked the path of violence and extremism, have now chosen to embrace the Constitution, democracy, and development, signaling the dawn of a new era in the Dandakaranya region.

Under the government’s comprehensive Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, along with initiatives like “Niyad Nella Naar Yojana” and “Poona Margaem — Rehabilitation to Rebirth,” 210 Maoists—including senior leaders—have returned to the mainstream, handing over 153 sophisticated weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and LMGs.

“A Symbolic End to Violence and Fear” — CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Calling it one of the most emotional and satisfying moments of his life, Chief Minister Sai said the event represents not just a surrender, but the victory of faith over fear and change over conflict. “The youths who once lost their way in the false ideology of Maoism have now joined the mainstream of democracy and peace,” he said.

He emphasized that this development reflects the success of the government’s sustained efforts under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reaffirming the commitment to making Chhattisgarh completely free from Naxalism.

“Poona Margaem — Rehabilitation to Rebirth”

This large-scale surrender under the Poona Margaem initiative marks a transformative chapter in Bastar’s history. The movement from violence to peace in the Dandakaranya region—once the stronghold of Maoists—demonstrates the effectiveness of Chhattisgarh’s new approach, which combines security, dialogue, development, and trust-building.

Who Surrendered

Among the 210 surrendered Maoists were:

• 1 Central Committee Member (CCM)
• 4 Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members
• 21 Divisional Committee members (DVCM)
• 1 Regional Committee Member
• 61 Area Committee Members (ACM)
• 98 Party Members
• 22 PLGA/RPC/Other cadres

The group included 110 women and 98 men, highlighting growing disillusionment among female cadres.

Prominent Maoist Leaders Return to the Mainstream

Notable among the surrendered cadres were CCM Rupesh alias Satish, DKSZC members Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi, Ranita, Raju Salam, Dhannu Vetti alias Santu, and RCM Ratan Elam, all of whom were previously wanted leaders. They expressed faith in the Constitution and pledged to live with dignity within the democratic framework.

153 Weapons Surrendered

The surrendered weapons included:

• 19 AK-47 rifles
• 17 SLR rifles
• 23 INSAS rifles
• 1 INSAS LMG
• 36 .303 rifles
• 4 Carbines
• 11 BGL Launchers
• 41 single-barrel/12-bore guns
• 1 Pistol

This mass surrender of arms is being seen as a symbolic end to the era of fear and bloodshed in Bastar.

Ceremony: From Conflict to Constitution

The surrender ceremony took place at Jagdalpur Police Line, where the cadres were welcomed through the traditional Manjhi-Chalke ritual. They were presented with copies of the Constitution and red roses — symbols of peace and new beginnings. The event concluded with all cadres taking an oath to uphold democratic values and contribute to national development, followed by chants of “Vande Mataram” echoing through the venue.

Government’s Commitment to Rehabilitation

The surrendered cadres were briefed on various rehabilitation, livelihood, housing, and skill development schemes under the state’s policy. The government has assured complete support to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and self-reliance.

Chief Minister Sai said, “Today’s surrender is not merely the government’s success — it is the foundation of a peaceful Chhattisgarh. The guns may have fallen silent, but what rises in their place is the sound of faith, progress, and hope.”