First major success in anti-Naxal mission: Chhattisgarh’s Badesatti village declared Naxal-free
Raipur
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against Naxalism, the central and state governments of India have achieved the first major success in their mission to eliminate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh and the rest of the country by March 2026. Badesatti village in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh has now been declared Naxal-free.
On Friday, the last 11 active Naxals in the village surrendered before the authorities. In addition, 22 more Naxals laid down arms in other areas of the district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the security forces and urged all remaining Naxals to surrender at the earliest.
Disturbed by the increasing number of their comrades being killed or surrendering, the Naxals have released another letter addressed to the government. In the letter, they proposed a one-month ceasefire to create a conducive environment for peace talks.
The letter was issued in the name of Rupesh, in-charge of the North-West Sub-Zonal Bureau of the Naxals. The Naxal leader thanked Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma for his prompt response to an earlier statement and for guaranteeing his safety and supporting the initiative for dialogue. He further appealed that a meeting with senior comrades is necessary to represent their side in the talks, and therefore, requested a halt in armed operations for a month.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Cobra Commandos and the Chhattisgarh Police have arrested 22 notorious Naxals with advanced weapons and explosive materials in operations conducted in Bijapur district. He added that 33 Naxals surrendered in Sukma, showing faith in the Modi government’s surrender policy.
Under the new Group Surrender Policy, if 80% or more active members of any Naxal formation unit surrender collectively, they will be eligible for substantial benefits. The government has announced that the reward amount on them will be doubled and given to them.
Moreover, if all active Naxals and militia members in any Gram Panchayat area of highly Naxal-affected districts like Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Kanker surrender, and the panchayat is declared Naxal-free, developmental projects worth Rs 1 crore will be sanctioned for the area.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced that each panchayat in Chhattisgarh declared Naxal-free will receive rs 1 crore from the government. The funds will be used for the overall development of villages under those panchayats. Surrendered Naxals will be given Rs 10,000 in financial assistance and a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Those involved in group surrenders will receive double the assistance. Families of martyred soldiers will be heard on the second Wednesday of every month at the IG Range. Statues of martyrs will also be installed under the ‘Veer Balidan Yojana’, for which the tender process has been completed.
The Chhattisgarh government is committed to transforming the lives of surrendered Naxals within 120 days through its new Naxal Surrender Policy 2025. Former Naxals who once hid in the jungles or engaged in attacks will now be offered a chance to reintegrate into society.
Under the policy, surrendered Naxals will be housed in transit camps or rehabilitation centers where they will receive training in skills of their choice and be provided education.
Additionally, they will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 for three years. The government will also provide plots in urban areas or agricultural land in rural areas, along with schemes to help them take up self-employment or small businesses.
The entire rehabilitation process is designed to be completed within 120 days, ensuring that former Naxals can quickly and smoothly return to the mainstream.
