In a significant development, 33 Maoists surrendered before the Chhattisgarh police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Bastar’s Bijapur district, citing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and condemning atrocities committed by Maoists against tribals. According to officials, the surrendered Maoists also expressed appreciation for the police’s rehabilitation policy.
Details of Surrendered Cadres
Among the surrendered individuals, two are women, and they were active in various wings and outfits under the Gangaloor area committee of Maoists. Notably, Raju Hemla alias Thakur and Samo Karma, both carrying rewards of ₹2 lakh each on their heads, were members of significant Maoist battalions. Additionally, Sudru Punem, head of the Revolutionary Party Committee (RPC), Janata Sarkar of Maoists, was carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh.
Previous Involvement in Attacks
The surrendered cadres, particularly Hemla, Karma, and Punem, were allegedly involved in attacks on security personnel in the past, further underscoring the significance of their surrender in fostering peace and stability in the region.
Progress in Peace Efforts
With this latest surrender, a total of 109 Naxalites have renounced violence in Bijapur district this year alone, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to mitigate Maoist insurgency and promote peace and development in the region.
