Chhattisgarh: The Puna Margem – Rehabilitation to Regeneration initiative achieved another milestone in Narayanpur district on Tuesday as 28 Maoist cadres, among them 19 women, gave up arms and returned to mainstream life.

Together, the group carried rewards amounting to ₹89 lakh. The programme, jointly implemented by the Chhattisgarh Government, the Centre, Bastar Police, local administration and security forces, continues to focus on peacebuilding, rehabilitation and inclusive development.

Cadres From Multiple Maoist Wings Surrender

According to officials, those who surrendered were active at various organisational levels, including members from Maad Division DVCM, PLGA Company No. 06, Area Committees, Technical Teams, Military Platoons, SZCM units, Supply and Logistics teams, and Jantana Sarkar bodies.

Three cadres also laid down weapons—an SLR, an INSAS and a .303 rifle—symbolising their complete disengagement from violence and renewed trust in state institutions.

Rising Momentum in Surrenders Across Bastar

Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya said the district has seen 287 surrenders so far in 2025. Bastar Range IG Sundarraj Pattilingam noted that more than 512 cadres across the region have abandoned the Maoist movement in the last 50 days, signalling a significant weakening of the insurgency.

He added that senior Maoist leaders, including Politburo member Devji and Central Committee member Ramdar, would eventually be compelled to follow the same path.

The event was attended by senior administrative and police officials, security force commanders, and community representatives, reaffirming a unified commitment to strengthening peace, trust and development across Bastar.