Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Apr 7: In a notable development in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency, a total of 31 Maoists, including five women, surrendered to security forces in the Narayanpur district today. Among those who laid down their arms were 26 individuals, including three carrying significant rewards totaling ?4.5 lakh.
Officials confirmed that the five female Maoists who surrendered in Narayanpur had been active members in various regional committees and each carried a reward on their heads. These women cited years of arduous life in the forests and a growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology as their reasons for choosing to renounce violence and return to mainstream society.
Government officials have lauded this significant surrender as a positive stride and expressed optimism that it will serve as an inspiration for other insurgents to follow suit.
These former Maoists, who were previously involved in activities ranging from road sabotage to disseminating propaganda, have chosen to abandon violence under the state's proactive 'Lon Varratu (Come Back Home)' campaign. Since its inception, this reintegration initiative has witnessed the surrender of 953 Naxalites in the Dantewada district alone, with 224 of them carrying rewards on their heads.
The Bastar region, which has been significantly impacted by Naxalism, has seen an encouraging trend of Maoists surrendering their arms, a result of sustained and concerted efforts aimed at their reintegration into society.
Under the leadership of senior officials, the Dantewada district administration and police force, with the support of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been actively promoting the state's comprehensive rehabilitation policy. Their strategies include proactive outreach programs in villages to guide both misguided youth and hardened Maoists towards a path of reintegration into the social fabric.
The group of 26 Maoists who surrendered today included individuals with previously announced rewards, such as Rajesh Kashyap, Kosa Madvi, and others. Joining them in choosing to return to mainstream life were women like Kumari Oyam and others from Narayanpur.
As part of the government's rehabilitation policy, these surrendered Maoists will receive comprehensive support, including financial assistance, skill development training, and other necessary aid to facilitate their journey in building new and peaceful lives.
"The Maoists have made the conscious decision to surrender, abandon the path of Naxalism, and return to the mainstream. These women who surrendered before the police and administration expressed their desire to leave behind the path of violence and embrace a normal life," stated government officials.
The officials have hailed this collective surrender as a positive and encouraging sign, expressing their hopeful anticipation that it will inspire other Maoists to also choose the path of peace and surrender.