208 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh; Bastar now free of violence, says CM Sai

A total of 208 Naxalites, along with 153 weapons, were brought to police lines to surrender and receive rehabilitation. This marks a significant step in the restoration of peace in the Dandakaranya region of Chhattisgarh. 

According to reports, the move will free most of the Abujhmad from Naxal influence. As the Naxalites laid down their weapons and opted for rehabilitation, the decade-long Red terror came to an end in North Bastar. 

According to officials, the surrendered group includes 110 women and 98 men. Among the surrendered weapons are 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLR rifles, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, four carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 twelve-bore or single-shot guns, and one pistol. 

Among the top Maoist leaders who surrendered were Rupesh alias Satish (Central Committee Member), Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi (DKSZC Member), Ranita (DKSZC Member), Raju Salam (DKSZC Member), Dhannu Vetti alias Santu (DKSZC Member), and Ratan Elam (Regional Committee Member), Chhattisgarh.

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Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the move and called it a historic day for the entire nation. He declared that north Bastar and Abujhmad have been declared completely free from Naxalism, and that "Bastar is no longer a land of violence, but a land of hope."

The Chief Minister further assured that the government will work towards upskilling and rehabilitating them.