Daijiworld Media Network - Bijapur
Bijapur, Mar 23: In a significant development, 22 Maoists surrendered to authorities on Sunday after a series of large-scale operations targeting their strongholds in the Bijapur and Narayanpur regions. Among them, six individuals had rewards totaling Rs 11 lakh on their heads.
The surrender took place in the presence of CRPF DIG Devendra Singh Negi, who welcomed the individuals for abandoning Maoist ideology and reintegrating into the mainstream. "Today, we see 22 people stepping away from Maoism. This is a positive shift, and we extend a warm welcome to them," Negi said. He highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Bijapur Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to establish new camps and improve local infrastructure, such as roads and healthcare facilities. These efforts are reshaping public perceptions and encouraging more people to align with the administration, he added.
The individuals who surrendered were members of the AOB division, Telangana State Committee, and various Maoist platoons. Their surrender brings the total number of Maoists to have laid down arms in Bijapur to 107.
This surrender comes on the heels of a major operation on Friday in the Gangloor area of Bijapur, where security forces killed 30 Maoists, including 14 women. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the forces for their success and reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating Maoist influence from India by March of next year.
A reward of Rs 87 lakh was offered for the deceased Maoists, and authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and three-not-three rifles. Additionally, an indigenous rocket launcher, barrel grenade launcher, explosives, jungle uniforms, medical supplies, and other daily-use items were found at the site.
Tragically, one soldier made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation, while two others, including a deputy superintendent of police, sustained injuries. Thankfully, their condition is stable.