Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal

Bhopal, Mar 29: In a significant step toward peace and reintegration, fifteen Maoists surrendered before security forces in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, on Saturday, marking another success for the state’s rehabilitation efforts. The individuals, who once operated within Maoist groups, pledged to abandon violence and rejoin mainstream society.

This development comes under the ‘Lon Varratu’ (Come Back Home) campaign, a strategic initiative led by senior police officials and backed by the Chhattisgarh Government’s Rehabilitation Policy. The campaign, extensively promoted across tribal villages by the District Police Force and CRPF, aims to dissuade Maoists from insurgency and provide them with a peaceful path forward. The surrender was facilitated by security units, including the RFT Dantewada and the 111th, 195th, 230th, and 231st Battalions of CRPF, who have been instrumental in persuading Maoists to rethink their stance.

Several of those who surrendered cited internal conflicts, harsh living conditions, and disillusionment with the Maoist movement as reasons for their decision. As per the state’s rehabilitation scheme, each surrendered Maoist will receive ?25,000 in financial assistance, along with skill development training, agricultural land, and other welfare benefits aimed at helping them transition to a stable livelihood.

The ‘Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025’, introduced by the Chhattisgarh Government, offers enhanced financial aid, land allocation, employment opportunities, and free education to those affected by Naxal violence. Surrendered Maoists are also eligible for additional cash incentives based on weapon surrender and receive legal support to help them integrate into society.

Since its launch, the Lon Varratu campaign has successfully facilitated the surrender of 927 Maoists, including 221 high-profile insurgents with bounties on their heads. The campaign has played a pivotal role in reducing Maoist influence and fostering security in the region.

Among those who surrendered on March 29 are Sikka alias Bhima Mandavi (31), Asmati Oyam (25), Mangal Oyam (42), Laxman alias Karma (25), and Rajesh Oyam (21). Their decision signifies a major step toward peace in the region, signaling that government-backed efforts to rehabilitate former insurgents are yielding positive results.