16 Maoists surrender in Narayanpur, reveal exploitation by top Maoists

 

Sixteen Maoists surrendered before police in Narayanpur on Wednesday, stepping out of violence to join the mainstream. The surrender took place before Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria, who assured them full benefits under the state’s rehabilitation policy.

 

Officials said the surrendering Maoists included members of Janatana Sarkar, Panchayat Militia, a deputy commander, a justice branch head and other functionaries. Although these cadres held relatively junior positions, they played critical roles in sustaining the insurgency by transporting supplies, relaying intelligence, planting IEDs and supporting armed cadres.

 

The group came from Lanka and Dunga, two Maoist strongholds. During questioning, the surrendered cadres revealed that senior Maoist leaders exploited local tribals, luring them with false promises of equality, justice and protection of land and resources. They alleged that women cadres suffered severe physical and mental abuse at the hands of senior leaders, who treated them as bonded labourers rather than comrades.

 

Police handed each surrendered cadre a cheque of Rs 50,000 as immediate financial support. Authorities confirmed that they will also receive all facilities assured under the anti-Naxal rehabilitation scheme of the Chhattisgarh government.

 

With this surrender, the total number of Maoists who have laid down arms in 2025 has risen to 164, officials said. The surrendered cadres included Lachu Podiyam alias Manu, Kesa Kunjam, Munna Hemla, Vanja Mohanda and others from Narayanpur district.

 

IG Bastar Range Sundarraj P said security forces inflicted heavy losses on Maoist leadership in 2025, forcing cadres to abandon the movement. He added that difficult terrain and hostile conditions have not deterred forces from protecting lives and property while pushing for peace in Bastar. He urged remaining cadres to give up violence and join the mainstream through the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.

 

SP Robinson Guria said the police aim to protect tribals in Abujhmad’s dense forests from Maoist influence and return the region to its original inhabitants so that they can live a free and normal life.