A Region Long Affected by Insurgency
Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, nestled deep in the Bastar region, has long been a hotbed for Naxalite insurgency—a decades-old conflict born out of tribal displacement, land disputes, and socio-economic neglect. For years, the region has witnessed violent confrontations between Maoist cadres and Indian security forces. However, in recent years, sustained combing operations, increased development outreach, and targeted rehabilitation policies have begun to show positive outcomes. The latest and most striking example came on April 18, when 33 Naxals surrendered to security forces in Sukma, signaling a hopeful turn in the long-standing conflict.
Mass Surrender: A Turning Point
In a significant development, 33 Naxalite cadres, including 11 women, laid down arms before senior officials of the Chhattisgarh Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG).
Of these, 17 surrendered Naxals carried a combined bounty of Rs 49 lakh, indicating the seriousness of their involvement in past anti-state activities. The surrender came in two batches—22 Naxals in the morning, followed by 11 more later in the day, all reportedly active in Maoist operations in the Maad division of Chhattisgarh and parts of neighboring Odisha.
Key Surrendered Figures and Their Background
Among the high-profile cadres was Muchaki Joga (33), a deputy commander in PLGA Company No. 1, and his wife Muchaki Jogi (28)—each carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Other prominent names include Kikid Deve (30) and Manoj alias Dudhi Budhra (28), both members of the Maoist area committee, with rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads. Seven others had Rs 2 lakh bounties, while another was wanted for Rs 50,000.
Authorities confirmed that many of these individuals were involved in multiple attacks on security forces, including ambushes and IED blasts.
What Drove the Surrender?
The primary motivation for these surrenders, as noted by Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, was growing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and the brutality inflicted on local tribal communities. The surrendering cadres cited a loss of faith in the “hollow and inhuman” promises of the Maoist leadership.
Additionally, the state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) initiative and the recently unveiled Elvad Panchayat Yojna under the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy–2025 played pivotal roles. These schemes not only offer financial aid and protection but also promise development funds of up to Rs 1 crore to village panchayats that help facilitate surrenders and declare themselves Maoist-free.
Badesatti: A Village Declares Freedom from Maoists
One of the most symbolic outcomes of this operation was the complete surrender of 11 Naxals from Badesatti village panchayat, rendering the village officially Naxalite-free. This includes four cadres with Rs 2 lakh bounties and one with Rs 50,000.
The surrender was the culmination of 15 days of coordinated outreach, where police forces engaged directly with local panchayat leaders to encourage Maoist foot soldiers—especially militia members and RPCs (Revolutionary Party Committees)—to give up arms and rejoin civil life.
Toward Sustainable Peace through Reintegration
The surrender of 33 Naxals marks a hopeful chapter in the state’s long battle against insurgency. It underlines the power of sustained dialogue, inclusive development, and tailored rehabilitation in winning hearts and minds. While force may deter violence temporarily, it is trust and opportunity that truly dismantle extremist ideologies.
Moving forward, it is imperative that the government scales up its engagement through education, employment, and infrastructure development in Maoist-affected areas. At the same time, policies like the Elvad Panchayat Yojna must be implemented transparently to maintain local trust.
By creating meaningful alternatives to violence, ensuring former Naxals are fully integrated into society, and offering dignity and livelihood, India can draw more insurgents into the mainstream and secure a peaceful future for regions long burdened by conflict.
(With inputs from agencies)
