Chhattisgarh Sees Major Surrender of Naxals as Government's Approach Gains Ground

Nine Naxalites surrendered in Sukma, influenced by ongoing operations, as part of efforts to eradicate Naxalism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced 2,619 Naxals either surrendered, arrested, or killed last year due to BJP's policies in Chhattisgarh. He aims to eliminate Naxalism by 2026.

In a significant development in Chhattisgarh, nine Naxalites surrendered on Wednesday in Sukma in the presence of Superintendent of Police Kiran Gangaram Chavan. SP Chavan assured that the surrendered militants will receive all benefits under the government's surrender policy.

SP Chavan noted that the militants were swayed by the ongoing operations and were involved in major incidents. His remarks echo a broader statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently highlighted the BJP government's success in Chhattisgarh. Shah stated that in the past year alone, 2,619 Naxalites have been arrested, surrendered, or killed.

Replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha, Shah declared that Naxalism will be eradicated by March 21, 2026, attributing this confidence to the strategies implemented by the Modi administration. The minister emphasized the contrast between the current approach and previous strategies under Congress, noting the impact of security and development-focused policies.

The effectiveness of the current strategy is highlighted by recent operations, in which 380 Naxals were neutralized within a year, including recent encounters yielding 30 Naxal bodies and a weapons cache. Shah illustrated how a shift in government can lead to significant changes in addressing critical security challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)