Thirteen Naxalites, including eight women, turned themselves in to security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Friday, putting an end to their association with the outlawed movement. Their collective surrender marks a significant breakthrough in the region’s counter-insurgency efforts, officials confirmed.
The former insurgents confessed that their growing frustration with the violent tactics of Maoist leaders, especially the mistreatment of tribal communities, and the realization of the “empty promises” behind the extremist ideology drove them to abandon the militant path.
Among those who surrendered was 21-year-old Deve Muchaki, also known as Pramila, who had a bounty of ₹8 lakh on her head. Another key figure, 29-year-old Kosa Oyam, who operated under several aliases including Rajendra and Mahesh Sagar, held a reward of ₹5 lakh. He was a prominent ‘area committee member’ linked to the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada Maoist division.
Also surrendering was Kosi Podiyam (27), a high-ranking member and head of the Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangathan (KAMS), carrying a bounty of ₹2 lakh. Other militants who had ₹1 lakh rewards included Sammi Semla (23), Chhotu Parsik aka Deepak (25), Moti Tati (24), Sunita Hemla (24), Manjula Kunjam (27), Saibo Podiyam (18), and Hungi Undum alias Radha (21). The remaining three individuals had no monetary rewards on them.
Each surrendering Naxalite received ₹50,000 in assistance and will be reintegrated into society under the government’s rehabilitation policy. With this development, a total of 241 Naxals have renounced violence in Bijapur this year.