Daijiworld Media Network - Bijapur

Bijapur, Apr 8: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's anti-Maoist drive, at least 22 Maoists laid down arms and surrendered before security forces on Tuesday in the Bijapur region.
An official stated that the surrendered Maoists carried a collective bounty of Rs 26 lac. Among them, two had rewards of Rs 8 lac each, while two others carried bounties of Rs 5 lac each.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Chhattisgarh, had urged Maoists to renounce violence and join the mainstream. He assured that both the Centre and state governments have launched attractive rehabilitation schemes offering a fresh start and full participation in the development process.

The surrender in Bijapur comes close on the heels of a similar move in Dantewada district, where 26 Maoists, including three with bounties, surrendered on April 7 under the ongoing 'Loan Varratu' (Come Back Home) campaign. The surrender took place at the District Reserve Guard office with assistance from the police and CRPF.

Among the Dantewada group, two Maoists had Rs 8 lac bounties, and two others carried Rs 5 lac rewards. Most of them were active in various Maoist organisations but decided to abandon the path of violence due to growing disillusionment with the movement’s ideology, exploitation, and hardship.

The police and CRPF have been actively involved in persuading Maoists to give up arms through sustained outreach efforts, awareness drives, and personal interaction.

So far, under this initiative, a total of 953 Maoists 224 of them carrying rewards—have surrendered in the state. The surrendering cadres include members of Jan militia units and various Maoist committees.

As part of the state’s rehabilitation programme, each surrendered Maoist is entitled to an incentive of Rs 50,000 to support their reintegration into society.