Twenty-three Naxalites with a collective bounty of Rs 1.18 crore laid down their arms in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday, in what officials described as another success in the ongoing effort to curb left-wing extremism in the state.
According to Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chauhan, the group includes 14 men and nine women, all identified as hardcore members of the banned Maoist outfit. Chauhan confirmed that the surrendered Naxalites would be rehabilitated under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy for former militants.
“Twenty-three Naxalites have surrendered. All are hardcore Naxalites. They will be provided with facilities as per the government policy. On this occasion, I appeal to all Naxalites to lay down their arms and join the mainstream,” Chauhan said.
The surrender comes days after a recent Maoist attack on security forces. On 8 July, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists injured two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on the Timapur-Murdanda road, under Awapalli police station limits. The injured jawans received first aid and were later shifted to the district hospital in Bijapur for further treatment.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently reiterated his government’s resolve to rid the state of Naxal violence.
Speaking on 5 July, he highlighted that with effective policies and continued support from the Centre, Naxal-hit areas would soon be developed with roads, electricity, drinking water, and other essential facilities.
“Our state is rich in every sense. About 44 per cent of the land is forested. The soil is fertile, and our farmers are hardworking. Naxalism was a major obstacle to our progress, but we are overcoming it. For those Naxals who have surrendered, we have designed an excellent rehabilitation policy. Soon, Chhattisgarh will be free from Naxal violence, and regions like Bastar will have roads, electricity, drinking water, and all basic amenities,” Sai said.
According to an official statement by the Government of India, operations against left-wing extremism have gained momentum this year. In 2024 alone, security forces neutralised 290 Naxals, arrested 1,090, and secured the surrender of 881 others.
The statement also noted that major operations in March 2025 saw 50 Naxals surrender in Bijapur, 16 neutralised in Sukma, and 22 killed in Kanker and Bijapur districts.
Officials say that, with continued Special Central Assistance and targeted development programmes, the government remains on course to eliminate Naxalism entirely by 31 March 2026.
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