Sukma, Chhattisgarh | January 14, 2026

In a major boost to anti-Maoist efforts in Chhattisgarh, as many as 29 Maoists surrendered before security forces in Sukma district on Wednesday, officials confirmed. The cadres turned themselves in before senior police officers and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials under the State government’s rehabilitation initiative, “Poona Margem”, which focuses on bringing former extremists back into the social mainstream.

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the surrendered individuals were active members of various frontal wings of the banned CPI (Maoist). He noted that the group decided to abandon violence after being influenced by the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, which promises security, dignity, and a chance at a normal life. Among those who surrendered was Podiam Budhra, a key leader of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS), who carried a reward of ₹2 lakh.

Officials said the recent establishment of a security camp in the remote Gogunda area played a crucial role in weakening Maoist influence. Intensified search operations and sustained pressure from security forces sharply reduced the movement and activities of Maoist groups in the region, which was once considered a stronghold of the Darbha division due to its difficult terrain.

With this surrender, authorities believe the Maoists’ support network in the Darbha division has suffered a significant setback. SP Chavan appealed to other Maoist members to give up violence and join the mainstream, assuring them protection and rehabilitation. The surrender comes close on the heels of similar developments, with 63 Maoists surrendering in Dantewada on January 8 and 26 in Sukma on January 7. More than 1,500 Maoists surrendered across Chhattisgarh in 2025, as the Centre continues its push to eliminate Maoism nationwide by March 31, 2026.

Mass Surrender in Bastar: 29 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

A significant step toward peace was witnessed in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district as 29 Maoists laid down their arms on January 14, 2026, choosing the path of rehabilitation over violence. The surrender took place before senior police and CRPF officials under the state government’s Poona Margem initiative, which focuses on reintegrating former extremists into society with dignity and security.

According to Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, all those who surrendered were active members of frontal organisations linked to the banned CPI (Maoist). He said the group was motivated by the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers protection, financial assistance, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Among the surrendered cadres was Podiam Budhra, a senior leader carrying a reward of ₹2 lakh.

Officials highlighted that the recent establishment of a security camp in the remote Gogunda area proved to be a turning point. Continuous anti-Naxal operations, intensified surveillance, and sustained pressure significantly weakened Maoist activities in what was once considered a safe and strategic base of the Darbha division.

Security agencies believe this surrender has dealt a major blow to the Maoists’ local support system. Appealing to others still involved in the movement, the police urged them to abandon violence and join the mainstream. The development follows a series of mass surrenders in the Bastar region, reinforcing the government’s resolve to eliminate Maoism from the country by March 31, 2026.