Twenty Naxalites — 11 of whom had a combined bounty of ₹33 lakh on their heads — surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Wednesday. According to an official, nine of the 20 Naxalites were women, including a hardcore cadre from the Maoists' People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion no. 1, which was considered their strongest military unit.
Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the group turned themselves in to senior police and CRPF officials, citing disillusionment with what they called "hollow" Maoist ideology, the atrocities committed against innocent tribal people, and growing internal disputes within the banned organisation.
Those who surrendered were also reportedly impressed by the state government's 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme, which is designed to bring development to remote areas, as well as the new surrender and rehabilitation policy.
An official confirmed that two of the cadres, Sharmila alias Uika Bhime (25) from the PLGA battalion and Tati Kosi alias Parmila (20) from the west Bastar division, each had a ₹8 lakh reward on them. Another cadre, area committee member Muchaki Hidma (54), had a ₹5 lakh reward. Four other cadres had a bounty of ₹4 lakh each, and an additional four had ₹1 lakh each.
Each of the surrendered Naxalites has been given an initial assistance of ₹50,000 and will be further rehabilitated in line with the government's policy.
Chavan appealed to all members of the outlawed Maoist group to abandon violence, assuring them of security and the chance for a dignified life. He promised they would be provided with education, employment, and the chance to lead a self-sufficient life under the new rehabilitation scheme.
"Surrender. Your step today will create a new path for the coming generations," the SP added.
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