In a significant development in the nation’s effort against left-wing extremism, 210 Naxals surrendered their weapons today in Chhattisgarh, handing over 153 firearms as part of the government’s surrender and rehabilitation initiative. This move is expected to clear most of the Abujhmad region and North Bastar of Naxal activities, with only South Bastar remaining as a hotspot.
Senior BJP leader Amit Malavya described the surrender as a “historic day for Chhattisgarh” and “a new dawn for Bastar,” revealing that the surrendered weapons included 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLR rifles, and 36 .303 rifles, among other firearms. The group of surrenders consisted of 110 female and 98 male members of the banned outfit.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who aims to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, announced that a total of 258 battle-hardened Maoists had surrendered in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra over the past two days. Shah commended their decision to abandon violence, emphasizing that those who surrender will be welcomed, while those who persist with violence will face the full force of security operations.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the surrender as a historic milestone, declaring North Bastar and Abujhmad as Naxal-free zones, signaling a new era of peace and progress. Sai credited the state’s Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, the Niyad Nella Naar scheme, and the establishment of 64 security camps in Naxal-affected areas for the success in combating Naxalism and promoting development.
In the past 22 months, Chhattisgarh has seen 477 Naxalites eliminated, 2,110 surrender, and 1,785 arrested, bringing the state closer to its goal of being Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. Police sources revealed that 120 Naxals arrived in Bijapur to surrender on Thursday, while 50 others reached a BSF camp in Kanker on Wednesday. All 170 individuals are set to surrender officially to Chief Minister Sai in Jagdalpur on Friday.
The dense forests of Abujhmad, encompassing Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, and parts of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, were previously strongholds and training grounds for senior Naxal leaders. The recent surrenders represent a significant change in the region, attributed to the collective impact of security measures and government outreach programs.
Authorities and analysts attribute the surge in surrenders to coordinated outreach efforts, heightened security presence, and targeted policies.