In a significant setback for the banned CPI (Maoist) in one of its long-standing strongholds, twenty-nine members of the outfit’s frontal organizations surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Wednesday. The mass surrender marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing campaign against Left-Wing Extremism in the restive Darbha division.
The event was overseen by senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan attributed the development to the state government’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy and the strategic establishment of a new security camp in the Gogunda region.
The surrenders were facilitated under the state’s "Poona Nargem" rehabilitation initiative, which promises security, socio-economic benefits, and a pathway to reintegration into mainstream society. SP Chavan stated that the policy’s guarantees of a dignified life were a decisive factor in persuading the individuals to lay down arms.
Among those who surrendered was Podiam Budhra, the head of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) in Gogunda. Budhra carried a bounty of ₹2 lakh on his head. The group comprised members from three key Maoist wings:
Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS): The Maoists’ primary frontal organization for tribal and labour mobilization.
Local Militia: The armed village-level cadre.
Janatana Sarkar: The Maoists’ parallel civil governance structure.
Their surrender represents a direct erosion of the insurgents’ organizational, logistical, and ideological network in the area.
Analysts point to the recent establishment of a security camp in Gogunda as the tactical catalyst for this development. The remote, rugged terrain of Gogunda had historically served as a secure base for the Maoists’ Darbha division committee. The permanent presence of security forces has disrupted this sanctuary, enabling aggressive and sustained search operations that have choked rebel movements, logistics, and morale.
"The continuous pressure has broken their ecosystem of support," SP Chavan explained. "This camp has directly led to the weakening of their influence, making surrender a viable option for many."
This event is not isolated. It reflects a growing momentum in surrender numbers across the state’s conflict zone:
January 8, 2025: 63 Naxalites surrendered in neighbouring Dantewada district.
January 7, 2025: A separate group surrendered in Sukma.
Statewide in 2025: Over 1,500 individuals have reportedly laid down arms, taking advantage of rehabilitation policies.
These developments align with the intensified push by both state and central governments to meet the March 31, 2026, deadline set by the Centre for the eradication of the Naxalite threat. The strategy combines fortified security footprints, developmental outreach, and persuasive surrender policies.
Addressing the remaining insurgents, SP Chavan issued a renewed appeal: "I urge those still in the folds of violence to abandon this futile path and join the mainstream. The government is committed to providing you security and a life of dignity."
The surrender of 29 cadres, including a senior frontal organization head, signals a potential tipping point in the Darbha division. It underscores the impact of a coordinated strategy applying relentless security pressure alongside tangible promises of rehabilitation, challenging the Maoist hold on the region at its core.
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