Raipur — In a surprising development, Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh — long seen as one of India’s most entrenched security threats — are beginning to lay down arms and signal interest in mainstream politics.
A letter allegedly issued by a banned Maoist organisation suggests a willingness to abandon violence, enter peace talks, and even consider direct political participation.
The move, viewed as a potential turning point in the decades-long fight against Naxalism, comes after intensified counter-insurgency operations and fresh rehabilitation measures introduced by the state government.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in a post on X, credited the new Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyed Nellanar scheme for encouraging insurgents to return to civilian life.
“Maoists are now giving up violence and joining the mainstream,” he wrote, highlighting the recent surrender of 12 Naxalites in Narayanpur — including two area committee members carrying a combined bounty of ₹18 lakh — as evidence of growing trust in government initiatives.
Each surrendered cadre was given a ₹50,000 incentive cheque and full access to rehabilitation benefits under the anti-Naxal policy. Since the new administration took office, as many as 1,704 Maoists have surrendered, weakening the insurgency considerably.
The state government has set a goal of completely eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the apparent shift, describing it as a “positive change in attitude” from groups that have long posed a serious threat to internal security.
Still, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma urged caution, questioning the authenticity of the purported Maoist letter.
Meanwhile, security forces remain alert. In Kanker district, police have launched a campaign to root out remaining insurgents by displaying posters of 44 most-wanted Maoists in several villages. The posters list photos, names, bounties, and contact details for police officers.
Additional SP Akash Shrimal said villagers can safely share information and that any Maoist wishing to surrender may use the contact numbers provided.
With inputs from IANS