Mass Surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh
In one of the largest Maoist surrenders in recent years, 170 Maoists laid down their arms in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. Among them was Rupesh, the North-Western Sub-Zonal In-Charge and intelligence chief of the Maoist military wing.
In total, 258 Maoists have surrendered over the past two days, including 27 in Chhattisgarh and 61 in Maharashtra, marking a significant step in the fight against Naxalism.
Home Minister Amit Shah called it a landmark day in India’s anti-Naxal operations, emphasizing that the government welcomes surrendering Maoists while promising strict action against those who continue violence.
Strategic Operation and Security Measures
Intelligence reports reveal that Rupesh and his associates crossed the Indravati River via Uspari Ghat and reached Bijapur, where the official surrender took place in Jagdalpur.
Security forces, particularly the District Reserve Guard (DRG), secured the route from Uspari Ghat to Bhairamgarh, with senior officers stationed in Bijapur to supervise the high-risk operation.
Rupesh surrendered along with 130 top Maoist cadres, including:
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1 Central Committee Member (CCM)
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2 DKSZC members
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15 DVCM cadres
Several surrendered cadres were from the Maad Division, a long-time Maoist stronghold.
Seizure of Sophisticated Weapons
The surrender included a large cache of modern firearms, such as:
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AK-47 rifles
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INSAS rifles
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SLRs
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Carbines
This has dealt a major blow to Maoist firepower in southern Chhattisgarh, significantly weakening their operational capabilities.
Impact on Naxalism in Chhattisgarh
Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the historic impact:
“Abujhmad and North Bastar, once strongholds of terror, are now completely free from Naxalite violence. Only sporadic Maoists remain in South Bastar, whom security forces will soon eliminate.”
The Maoist organization has been on the back foot since Sonu alias Venugopal, a Politburo member, surrendered. Rupesh, recently elevated to the Central Committee, had also supported a ceasefire and peace process, indicating internal dissent within Maoist ranks.
Government’s Rehabilitation Efforts
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma assured that reintegrated Maoists will be welcomed with support and rehabilitation programs.
He stated:
“The people of Bastar have rejected Red Terror. Every surrender in Bijapur or Kanker is a step toward peace, and we will assist them to reintegrate into society.”
Historic Achievements in 2025
This year has been record-breaking in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh:
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312 Maoists, including eight top leaders, killed in encounters
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836 cadres arrested
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1,639 Naxalites surrendered, a record in the state
The number of Maoist-affected districts has dramatically reduced from 126 to just 3 districts: Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, all in Chhattisgarh.
