Raipur, June 6
Influenced by the ongoing Lon Varratu (Come Back Home) campaign, seven Maoists, including two carrying rewards, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district.
Among those who laid down arms were Juglu alias Sundum Kovasi and Dasha alias Burku Podiyam, both of whom had a bounty of Rs 50,000 announced by the Chhattisgarh government. These surrendered Maoists had been actively involved in various regional committees, participating in activities such as digging roads, cutting trees, and putting up banners and posters during the Naxal bandh, police officials said.
The surrender marks a significant success for the Naxal Eradication Campaign led by Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P, Deputy Inspector General Kamalochan Kashyap, and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai. Under the rehabilitation policy of the Chhattisgarh government, authorities have been working to integrate these former extremists into mainstream society. Extensive awareness efforts, including village-level publicity, have resulted in many Maoists choosing to abandon their militant activities.
Frustrated by the brutality of Naxalite ideology, internal conflicts, exploitation, and the harsh realities of living in the forests, these individuals opted to surrender, officials said.