Seventy-one Maoists surrendered in Dantewada under Chhattisgarh’s Lon Varratu campaign, marking a major milestone in anti-LWE efforts. Backed by the Vishnu Deo Sai government’s 2025 rehabilitation policy, the move reflects growing trust in peace, development, and security-driven reintegration programs.
In a landmark development in Chhattisgarh’s fight against Left Wing Extremism (LWE), seventy-one Maoists surrendered en masse in Dantewada district on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years. The mass surrender is being hailed as a crucial step forward in the state’s long-standing campaign to end decades of Maoist insurgency in Bastar and surrounding regions.
The surrender, carried out under the state’s flagship Lon Varratu campaign, signifies a decisive shift in the region’s security and political landscape. The campaign, which translates to “return home” in the local Gondi language, has been at the forefront of the government’s strategy to encourage Maoists to abandon the path of violence and reintegrate into mainstream society.
Maoists with Bounties Among the Surrendered
According to Gaurav Rai, Superintendent of Police, Dantewada, a significant number of those who surrendered were high-profile cadres. “Of the 71 surrendered Maoists, 30 were carrying bounties ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹8 lakh, amounting to a total of ₹6.4 million,” Rai stated.
The individuals laid down arms before the Dantewada Superintendent of Police and senior officers in a formal ceremony, symbolizing their break from the insurgent movement. Many of them were believed to be disillusioned with the Maoist ideology following intensified security operations and repeated losses of their senior leadership.
“We had launched intensified operations by security forces, which have led to the neutralisation of several senior Maoist leaders in recent encounters. With no formal compromise initiative from the government, many of them are in fact disillusioned with the movement and are choosing to abandon violence in favour of reintegration,” Rai added.
A Priority for the Vishnu Deo Sai Government
The development comes against the backdrop of the BJP-led Vishnu Deo Sai government’s aggressive push to eradicate LWE from Chhattisgarh. Since taking office after the Congress-led Bhupesh Baghel administration, the Sai government has declared Maoist elimination as a top priority.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier underscored the Centre’s commitment to ending Maoist insurgency across India, which has prompted intensified counter-insurgency operations in Chhattisgarh. These efforts have yielded striking results—over 466 Maoists have been neutralised and more than 1,700 have surrendered in recent months.
Rehabilitation and Welfare Schemes Driving Change
Chief Minister Sai, in a statement on his official X handle, attributed the success to the state’s newly launched Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyed Nella Naar scheme. These programs are designed to provide former insurgents with financial incentives, vocational training, and social security benefits to help them transition to peaceful civilian life.
“People misled by the false slogans of Maoist violence are now choosing the path of development and peace,” the Chief Minister said. He highlighted that initiatives such as the Poona Margem campaign in Bastar and the Lon Varratu campaign in Dantewada are playing a decisive role in influencing Maoists to give up arms.
Each surrendered individual has been granted an immediate incentive of ₹50,000 to help them begin anew, along with access to a range of welfare benefits under the LWE eradication policy. These include education for their children, housing benefits, and skill development opportunities aimed at ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
Growing Trust in Governance
The government has emphasized that the rising trend of Maoist surrenders reflects growing public trust in welfare schemes and governance initiatives. According to official data, over 1,770 Maoists have joined the mainstream since December 2023. This figure points to a broader shift in sentiment among communities long affected by insurgency.
“The surrender of 71 Maoists is not just a statistic but a reflection of the people’s faith in the government’s vision of peace and progress,” an official from the state Home Department noted.
Roadmap to a Maoist-Free Bastar by 2026
With a stated target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism from Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026, the government has laid out a clear roadmap combining strong security measures with inclusive rehabilitation programs. The dual approach is aimed at addressing both the immediate threat posed by armed Maoists and the socio-economic grievances that have historically fueled the movement.
For residents of Bastar, Dantewada, and surrounding areas, the latest surrender brings renewed hope of lasting peace. With Maoists increasingly abandoning their insurgent roots and embracing development, the region is witnessing the gradual erosion of a violent chapter in its history.
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The Chhattisgarh government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those who surrender are not only disarmed but also provided dignity, opportunity, and a chance to contribute to the state’s development. If the momentum continues, Bastar could well become a symbol of India’s success in eradicating Left Wing Extremism through a blend of firmness and compassion.
