20 Naxalites, including nine women, surrenders in Chhattisgarh’s sukma

In a significant blow to Maoist insurgency, 20 Naxalites, including nine women, surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on September 3, 2025, marking a major step toward peace in the restive region. The group, 11 of whom carried a collective bounty of ₹33 lakh, turned themselves in to senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials, citing disillusionment with the “hollow” Maoist ideology and internal rifts within the banned outfit. Among them was a hardcore member of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, once considered the Maoists’ strongest military unit. The surrender, influenced by the state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme promoting rural development, offers hope for rehabilitation and a decline in Left-Wing Extremism.

The surrendered Naxalites, including key figures like Sharmila alias Uika Bhime and Tati Kosi alias Parmila (each with an ₹8 lakh bounty) and Muchaki Hidma (₹5 lakh bounty), expressed frustration with the Maoist movement’s brutal tactics, including atrocities against tribal communities. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan highlighted their disappointment with the group’s internal conflicts and lack of coherent ideology. The state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) scheme, which facilitates development in remote areas, and a robust surrender-and-rehabilitation policy played a pivotal role in their decision to abandon arms, offering them a chance at education, employment, and a dignified life.

Each surrendered Naxalite received ₹50,000 in immediate financial aid, with promises of further rehabilitation under Chhattisgarh’s new policy. This surrender follows a trend in the Bastar region, where 792 Naxalites surrendered in 2024 alone, reflecting growing discontent within Maoist ranks. The PLGA Battalion No. 1, once a formidable force, has been weakened by ongoing security operations and defections, with Sukma seeing multiple surrenders this year, including 33 in April and 18 in May. The state’s strategy of combining development initiatives with anti-Naxal operations appears to be eroding the Maoist stronghold.

Sukma, part of the Maoist-affected Bastar division, has been a hotspot for violence, with 208 Naxalites killed in encounters in 2025 alone. The surrenders signal a shift, as security forces intensify operations and establish camps in remote areas, putting pressure on Maoist cadres. SP Chavan urged remaining Naxalites to follow suit, assuring them of security and opportunities for a mainstream life. The ‘Elvad Panchayat Yojna,’ which incentivizes villages to become Naxal-free with ₹1 crore in development funds, has further encouraged defections, as seen in Badesatti village earlier this year.

The surrenders come amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026, with operations continuing despite the monsoon season. However, the region remains volatile, with recent incidents like the killing of a jawan in a Bijapur IED blast on August 28, 2025, underscoring the ongoing threat. The surrendered Naxalites’ decision reflects a broader disillusionment, as Maoist violence, including attacks on tribals and security forces, has alienated many cadres. Social media posts have echoed this sentiment, with some users condemning Maoist brutality, though others debate the effectiveness of past initiatives like Salwa Judum.For the tribal communities of Sukma, the surrenders offer a glimmer of hope for peace and development.

Families of the former Naxalites, many of whom joined the movement due to poverty or coercion, now look toward a future of stability. As Chhattisgarh’s government and security forces continue their dual approach of development and enforcement, the region inches closer to shedding its violent past. The journey ahead remains challenging, but the surrender of these 20 Naxalites marks a pivotal moment in the fight against insurgency, promising a brighter future for both the individuals and the communities they once fought against.