“Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Rebirth”: 210 Maoist cadres from Dandakaranya return to mainstream society

Raipur: As a result of the state government’s comprehensive Naxal eradication policy and sustained efforts focused on peace, dialogue, and development, the anti-Naxal campaign in Bastar division on Friday October 17, 2025 achieved historic success. Under the “Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Rehabilitation” program, 210 Maoist cadres from the Dandakaranya region have decided to renounce violence and return to mainstream society.

This surrender signals a new dawn for Bastar towards trust, security, and development. This historic event will be recorded as a turning point in the history of the Naxal eradication campaign in the Abujhmad and North Bastar regions, long affected by Naxal activities.

The comprehensive Naxal eradication policy adopted by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has laid a strong foundation for lasting peace in the region. The coordinated efforts of the police, security forces, local administration, social organisations, and vigilant citizens have transformed the culture of violence into a culture of dialogue and development.

This is the first time in the history of the anti-Naxal campaign that such a large number of senior Maoist cadres have surrendered simultaneously. Those who surrendered include a Central Committee member, four DKSZC members, and 21 Divisional Committee members, along with several senior Maoist leaders.

These cadres surrendered a total of 153 sophisticated weapons—including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and LMGs. This is not just a surrender of weapons, but a symbolic end to an era of violence and fear—a declaration that signals the beginning of an era of peace and trust in Bastar.

Prominent Maoist leaders who returned to the mainstream include CCM Rupesh alias Satish, DKSZC member Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandvi, Ranita, Raju Salam, Dhannu Vetti alias Santu, RCM Ratan Alam, and several other wanted cadres. All of them expressed faith in the Constitution and pledged to live a dignified life in a democratic system.

This historic event took place at the Jagdalpur Police Lines premises, where the surrendered cadres were welcomed with the traditional Manjhi-Chalaki ritual. They were honored with a copy of the Constitution and a red rose, symboliding peace, love, and a new life.

Chief guest of the event, Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Dev Gautam, said, “The Poona Margem is not just an effort to distance oneself from Naxalism, but an opportunity to give life a new direction. Those who have returned today will become ambassadors of peace, development, and trust in Bastar.” He called upon the surrendered cadres to devote their energy to building society.

ADG . General of Naxal Operations Vivekanand Sinha, CRPF Bastar Range in-charge, Commissioner Doman Singh, Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P., Collector Haris S., all Superintendents of Police of Bastar Division, senior officers, and representatives of social organisations were present on the occasion.

During the program, the police department provided information about rehabilitation assistance, housing, and livelihood schemes to the surrendered Maoists. The state government is committed to connecting these youth with self-employment, skill development, and education, enabling them to live a self-reliant and dignified life.

Manjhi-Chalaki representatives stated that Bastar’s tradition has always embodied love, coexistence, and peace. The comrades who have now returned will invigorate this tradition and further strengthen the foundation of trust in society.

At the end of the program, all surrendered cadres took an oath to the Constitution, expressing their allegiance to democratic values. They pledged to contribute to development and nation-building instead of violence.

The program concluded with the echo of “Vande Mataram.” This moment symbolised not only the surrender of 210 Maoist cadres, but also the beginning of a new era of trust, development, and peace in Bastar..