Raipur: Marking a significant step towards eradicating Naxalism in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, four active Maoist cadres from Kistaram area in Sukma district surrendered before security forces on Friday.
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai described this surrender and ongoing rehabilitation efforts as key developments moving the state closer to a Naxal-free Bastar. Posting on social media platform X, he stated, “A Naxal-free Bastar and a safe Chhattisgarh are our firm resolve.”
The four cadres, each carrying a bounty of ₹8 lakh, chose to abandon violence and join the mainstream. This decision reflects the growing trust, improved security, and development in Bastar. Coordinated efforts by security forces, strengthened camp arrangements, and better connectivity have steadily shrunk Maoist influence and weakened their base in the region.
This surrender comes amid a larger wave of Maoist defections in early 2026, with hundreds of cadres leaving violence under state rehabilitation initiatives. Officials believe such events indicate a weakening of Naxalite forces, aligning with the goal to achieve a Maoist-free Chhattisgarh by March 31.
Complementing these security gains, the Dantewada district administration has launched an active rehabilitation programme to ensure smooth reintegration of surrendered Maoists.
In collaboration with the State Bank of India’s Rural Self Employment Training Institute, the administration has started a training programme for 35 youths who surrendered, focusing on masonry skills. Guided by Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv, this initiative aims to equip individuals with employment-oriented expertise to contribute productively to society.
The training addresses the rising demand for skilled construction workers and supports major schemes like the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
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