Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Oct 8: In a significant blow to the Maoist insurgency, sixteen Naxalites — including seven women and several high-ranking operatives — surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Wednesday, citing deep disillusionment with the movement’s leadership and ideology.
Carrying a combined bounty of Rs 70 lac, the surrendered individuals included top cadres such as the Deputy Commander of the PLGA Military Company No. 1 and members from various key operational and technical units of the banned outfit. Officials confirmed that these individuals were involved in core activities across multiple Maoist factions including the North Bureau Technical Team and Mad Division Stop Team.
The surrender took place in the presence of Narayanpur SP Robinson Guria and senior officers from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), and district police. Each surrendering cadre was granted a Rs 50,000 incentive under the Chhattisgarh government’s Naxal rehabilitation scheme, which also provides housing, education, vocational training, and financial support for reintegration into society.
During debriefings, the ex-Maoists detailed harrowing experiences inside the organisation. They accused senior Maoist leaders of systematic abuse, particularly towards women cadres, many of whom were reportedly treated as personal servants or subjected to exploitation under the guise of revolutionary promises. According to the surrendered members, tribal youth were consistently misled with false assurances of justice and empowerment while being used as pawns in a violent ideological struggle.
The decision to surrender was largely driven by increased security pressure, new forward camps established in Maoist strongholds, and growing internal dissent. Many cited discontent with the dominance of “outside” Maoists who, they claimed, routinely sidelined local tribals and imposed harsh treatment on indigenous cadres.
Among the most notable surrenders were Podiya Markam alias Ratan and Manoj Dugga alias Shankar — both from the PLGA Military Company No. 1 — each carrying rewards of Rs 8 lac. Others included Sumitra Kursam, Madda Kunjam, Ravi Vadde, Kare Korram, Vanila Farsa, Shri Gawade, Budhu Usendi, and Somlo Kashyap, with bounties ranging from Rs 1 lac to Rs 8 lac.
With these latest defections, the number of surrendered Maoists in Chhattisgarh this year has climbed to 192 — a major milestone in the state’s ongoing push to weaken the Maoist network and accelerate development in conflict-hit tribal areas.