Mass Surrender: 52 Naxalites Lay Down Arms in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

A total of 52 Naxalites, including 49 with bounties totaling over Rs 1.41 crore, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. Influenced by the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy, the cadres, with rewards ranging up to Rs 8 lakh, turned themselves in under the 'Poona' Margem initiative.

A significant breakthrough in counterinsurgency efforts occurred as 52 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Notably, 49 of them were on wanted lists with a cumulative bounty exceeding Rs 1.41 crore, according to a senior police official.

Among them were high-ranking Maoist operatives from the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and other divisions. Influenced by the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy and under the 'Poona' Margem initiative, the cadres chose to leave behind their insurgent activities.

The event marks a milestone in regional security efforts, with more than 1,500 Naxalites having surrendered in the state since 2025. The Centre aims to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, aligning with national anti-insurgency priorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)