In a major development, 29 Naxals from the Kutul area in Chhattisgarh have surrendered to the police, marking a significant step in the fight against Naxalism.
The surrender took place on Wednesday before Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar. Among those who laid down their arms were 22 men and seven women.
Officials have credited the growing influence of government initiatives and development efforts in the region for this shift.
According to Kumar, the administration has been actively working to combat Naxalism. He highlighted that infrastructure development and welfare projects are leading to social change, which is encouraging more Naxals to abandon violence.
“We are carrying out a movement against Naxalism through effective operations and development works,” Kumar said. “As a result, we are witnessing a social transformation in the Kutul area. Many who were previously involved in Naxal activities are now choosing to surrender. Today, 29 such individuals have given up arms, influenced by the progress being made in their region.”
This comes after security forces recently took control of a key Maoist training camp in the dense forests of Bhattiguda, Bijapur district. The camp, used by members of the PLGA Battalion No. 01, was abandoned when security forces launched a search operation.
The operation was carried out by CoBRA units 201, 204, and 210. Security personnel stormed the camp, dismantling the structures and destroying a Naxal martyr memorial.
The site contained permanent barracks, trenches, and tall trees used for training exercises. Officials have described the move as a major blow to Maoist activities in the region.
In another recent incident, 16 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district.
The bodies were recovered following a fierce gunfight, which also saw the seizure of weapons, including automatic rifles. Senior Maoist cadres were among those killed.
Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister praised the security forces for their success in countering the Naxal threat. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating Maoist insurgency from the state and ensuring lasting peace in the region.