Maoist cadres return to the mainstream – a new dawn of peace, trust, and development in Bastar: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur: Today on Friday October 17, 2025 is a historic day not only for Bastar, but for the entire Chhattisgarh and the country. 210 Maoist cadres, who had lived under the shadow of violence and fear for years, have decided to give up their guns and embrace the Constitution under the “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Rebirth” program.

This marks the beginning of a new era of peace, trust, and development in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said this while addressing a press conference in Jagdalpur today.

Chief Minister Sai said that the youth who were once entangled in the false ideology of Maoism are now returning to the mainstream of society, expressing faith in the power of democracy, the ideals of the Constitution, and the sensitive policies of the state government.

It is worth mentioning that the 210 surrendered Maoist cadres included one Central Committee member, four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members, one Regional Committee member, 22 Divisional Committee members, 61 Area Committee members, and 98 party members. A total reward of ₹9.18 crore was announced on their heads.

At the ceremony, the 210 Maoist cadres surrendered a total of 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47s, 17 SLRs, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, four carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 shotguns, and one pistol.

Chief Minister Sai described the occasion as one of the most emotional and satisfying moments of his life. He said that the youth who put down their guns and embraced the Constitution have sown the seeds of peace and unity in Chhattisgarh’s future. This is an evidence of that change comes from policies and trust, not fear and violence.

The State Government’s initiatives, such as the “Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025,” the “Niyad Nella Nar Yojana,” and the “Poona Margem – Rehabilitation to Regeneration,” are proving to be a solid foundation for change not only in Bastar but throughout Chhattisgarh. These initiatives have replaced guns and ammunition with dialogue, empathy, and development.

The Chief Minister stated that this unprecedented surrender is the result of the joint efforts of the Central and State governments. The coordinated and sustained efforts of the police, security forces, local administration, social organizations, and civil society—all of whom made this transformation possible—mark a milestone in Bastar’s history.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that this scene is an inspiration not only for Bastar but for the entire country—that if intentions are clear and policies are pro-people, the end of violence and the beginning of peace are possible. The Chief Minister mentioned that this mass surrender is the biggest success in the history of the Naxalite eradication campaign in Bastar.

The Chief Minister further said that this surrender is a decisive step towards eradicating the root of violence. “Abujhmad and North Bastar, where fear once reigned, are now ruled by trust. Those who hid in the forests yesterday are now participating in the building of society.”

Chief Minister Sai added that the Double Engine Government is firmly committed to completely freeing Chhattisgarh from Naxalism. He said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, we are moving rapidly towards this goal. This transformation in Bastar is a testament to that resolve”, Sai said .

He stated that the State Government is fully committed to the rehabilitation and resettlement of surrendered cadres. Each individual will be provided with self-employment, training, housing, education, and livelihood opportunities so that they can live a life of dignity and play an active role in the development of society.

The Chief Minister said that this surrender is an extension of the spirit of “Poona Margem – Rehabilitation to Regeneration,” which conveys the message that the path to change is not violence, but trust. This program will now bring new energy towards rehabilitation, education, health, and livelihood improvement throughout the Bastar region.

Chief Minister Sai said that this historic event proves that when government policies are sensitive and people-centric, even the most difficult problems can be solved. He said, “Our goal is not just to end Naxalism, but to build a new Bastar – where there is faith in every home and the light of development in every heart.”

The Chief Minister thanked the people of the region, public representatives, media, security forces, and civil society for being partners in this transformation. He said that this journey of peace, development, and prosperity will be sustainable only when every section of society embraces the spirit of this change.

He said that the state government will transform Bastar into a self-reliant region through new industries, improved education, health, and connectivity. Along with the greenery of the forests, the lives of the youth here will also be illuminated.

The Chief Minister said that this is a moment in Bastar’s history when the “echo of guns” is being replaced by the “echo of development.” This is the rebirth of Bastar, where trust and brotherhood will reign, not fear.

Concluding, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “This is not just surrender, but a journey of self-awakening. This is Chhattisgarh’s new identity—one of peace, trust, and development. In the coming times, Bastar will not only be Naxal-free, but will also become a model of peace and change for the country.”

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Saw and Vijay Sharma, MP Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Director General of Police Arundev Gautam, ADG CRPF Amit Kumar, ADG BSF Namgyal, ADG (ANO) Vivekanand Jha, IG of Bastar Range Sundarraj P, Superintendents of Police of all the districts of Bastar and senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces were present.