RAIPUR
In a significant breakthrough for the state’s counter-insurgency efforts, 52 Maoist cadres associated with the South Sub Zonal Bureau have surrendered under the ‘Poona Margham’ campaign. The surrendered cadres collectively carried a bounty of ₹1.41 crore.
Bastar range police officials stated that the surrender of 81 Maoists within the last 48 hours indicates a decline in the influence of the outlawed movement. Security agencies noted that the support system and ideological base of the Maoists in Bastar have weakened considerably.
The ‘Poona Margham’ (New Path) initiative, themed ‘Rehabilitation to Rebirth,’ is being credited for these results. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has instructed the authorities concerned to ensure that the surrendered individuals are provided with all benefits under the state’s rehabilitation policy.
The Union government has set a deadline of 31 March 2026 to make India Naxal-free. Officials said that the current momentum in surrenders, driven by the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a step towards achieving this goal.
Each surrendered cadre has been provided with immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000. They will also be eligible for vocational training and other welfare benefits to facilitate their reintegration into society.
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