In a significant blow to Left Wing Extremism, 51 Naxalites laid down arms and rejoined mainstream society in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday. Among the 51, a substantial 20 individuals carried a collective bounty totaling Rs 66 lakh, highlighting their former prominence within the Maoist hierarchy. This mass surrender, which also included nine women cadres, represents a major success for the state’s peace and rehabilitation initiatives. Officials emphasized that the Maoists were drawn to the government’s effective rehabilitation policies and the tangible development progress witnessed in the region. The decision by these rebels to abandon violence is seen as a critical step towards eradicating Naxalism through peaceful means and development-focused strategies. This surrender occurred under the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ (rehabilitation for social integration) program, spearheaded by the Bastar Range Police to facilitate the return of Naxalites to normal life. The initiative aims to provide a path towards a better future for those disillusioned with the extremist movement.
