₹20 Lakh Reward Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh

In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's ongoing battle against Maoist insurgency, four Maoists, collectively carrying a reward of ₹20 lakh on their heads, surrendered in the Sukma district. Among the surrendered rebels, two are women, and their decision to lay down arms marks a critical moment in the state's efforts to curb Maoist violence and promote peace.

The group surrendered before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials, including the district superintendent of police, Kiran Chavan. The Maoists cited deep disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and the atrocities committed by their comrades on the tribal communities as their primary reasons for surrendering. They labeled the Maoist ideology as "inhuman" and "hollow," rejecting its principles and methods.

One of the key figures in this surrender was Kailash alias Kavasi Deva, a 35-year-old deputy commander of the Maoists' company number 10, who carried a reward of ₹8 lakh on his head. Alongside him was Vanjam Hadma, a 24-year-old senior cadre of platoon number 30, and Sukki Madkam, a 31-year-old area committee member under the south Bastar division of the Maoists. Both carried a reward of ₹5 lakh each. The fourth member, Ravva Deve, a 25-year-old woman cadre from the Maharashtra-Gadchiroli-Bhamragarh area committee, had a reward of ₹2 lakh on her head.

These four individuals, all residents of Sukma district, were allegedly involved in numerous violent incidents, including attacks on police teams. Their surrender is seen as a direct result of the state government's effective Naxalite elimination policy and various welfare schemes aimed at promoting peace and development in the region. 

The government’s approach has not only focused on military action but also on winning the hearts and minds of the local population through development initiatives and rehabilitation programs. This strategy appears to be yielding results, as evidenced by the recent surrenders.

Each of the surrendered Maoists has been provided with an initial assistance of ₹25,000 and will be rehabilitated according to the government’s policy. This includes access to various schemes aimed at integrating them back into society and ensuring they have opportunities for a better future away from violence and extremism.

This surrender is a significant victory for the Chhattisgarh police and the CRPF, who have been tirelessly working to combat the Maoist threat in the region. It also serves as a testament to the potential success of comprehensive counter-insurgency strategies that combine force with socio-economic development.

The surrender of these Maoists is a hopeful sign that more rebels might choose to abandon their arms and embrace the path of peace, driven by a growing realization of the futility of their violent struggle and the positive impact of government policies aimed at their welfare.