In Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, 103 Maoists surrendered, laying down their arms, 49 of whom had a combined reward of ₹1 crore on their heads. Meanwhile, Maoists brutally murdered a villager on suspicion of being a police informer.
Bijapur: In Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division on Thursday, 103 Maoists surrendered before senior police and paramilitary officials, laying down their arms. Among them were 49 Naxalites on whom a total reward of ₹1 crore had been declared. Under the Chhattisgarh government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, each surrendered Maoist was immediately provided with financial assistance of ₹50,000. This step is considered significant in curbing Maoist activities and encouraging them to return to the mainstream.
Villager Murdered on Informer Charges
Amidst this significant surrender, a tragic incident also came to light in Bijapur district. Maoists dragged a villager named Madkam Bhima from his home and brutally killed him in front of his family and relatives, accusing him of being a police informer.
Police termed this a fear-mongering incident. According to officials, the objective of such violence was not only to terrorize villagers but also to demonstrate that Maoists are still active. This incident occurred amidst security force operations and created an atmosphere of fear among the local populace.
Senior Officials Present at Surrender Ceremony
At the surrender ceremony, DIG Kamlochan Kashyap of Dantewada Range, DIG B.S. Negi of CRPF Bijapur, and Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav were present.
SP Yadav stated at the ceremony that the surrender and rehabilitation policy provides an opportunity for not only Maoists but also their families to return to the mainstream. He appealed to the remaining active Maoists in the forests to lay down their arms, avail the benefits of the government's scheme, and choose to live a peaceful life.
Maoist Surrenders and Arrests
The killing of senior commanders in encounters and the surrender of top cadres have created a deep void in the Maoist leadership. Lower-level members are now being compelled to abandon their arms.
Figures from January 1st to date indicate that a total of 410 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur district. During the same period, 421 Maoists were arrested, and 137 Maoists were killed in encounters. These figures demonstrate the active engagement of security forces and the effectiveness of the surrender policy.
