Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Apr 30: In a key step toward peace in Chhattisgarh’s conflict-affected regions, six Maoists, including a woman, surrendered in Dantewada under the ongoing "Lon Varratu" (Come Back Home) campaign on Wednesday.

Among the six were three individuals carrying a combined bounty of Rs 4 lakh. Kadti Deva (34), the Gompad RPC Militia Chief, had a reward of Rs 2 lakh. Lakkhe Kuhram (30), part of the Bhairamgarh Area Committee Party, and Mithlesh alias Mudda Oyam (25), a Farsegarh LOS member, had bounties of Rs 1 lakh each.

Other surrendered cadres include Pagnu Veko (37), Masram Ram (27), and Bhimsen Oyam (30). All were previously active in various Maoist units and participated in propaganda, road disruption, and other subversive activities.

The surrender is part of the Chhattisgarh Government's “Lon Varratu” rehabilitation initiative, which encourages Maoists to return to civilian life by offering financial aid of ?50,000, vocational training, agricultural land, and other reintegration support.

Facilitated by Deputy Inspector General Kamalochan Kashyap and SP Gaurav Rai, the surrender was backed by joint efforts from the District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, RFT intelligence units from Dantewada and Konta, and the CRPF’s 111th, 195th, and 230th battalions.

Officials noted that the trend highlights a growing disillusionment among Maoist cadres—particularly the youth—due to internal strife, harsh conditions, and a fading belief in the insurgent cause.

Since the campaign’s launch, 967 Maoists, including 229 with bounties, have surrendered, signalling a significant shift towards lasting peace in the Bastar region.