Among the surrendering cadres was Ramdher Majji, the MMC zone in-charge, who handed over an AK-47 rifle. His associate, Sunita Oyam, a hardcore Naxalite, had already surrendered a day earlier. In total, authorities recovered 12 weapons, including two AK-47s, two INSAS rifles, one SLR, and two .303 rifles, signaling a major blow to the local Maoist network.
Other prominent Naxalites who surrendered included Chandu Usendi, Lalita, Janki, Prem, Ram Singh Dada, Sukesh Pottam, Laxmi, Sheela, Sagar, Kavita, and Yogita. Balaghat Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra attributed the surrenders to government rehabilitation and revival schemes, which offer financial support, skill development training, and avenues for social reintegration.
The surrender process has effectively neutralized organized Naxal activities in the district, with only one active cadre, Deepak, reportedly remaining. Authorities are hopeful of his imminent surrender, which would mark the complete restoration of normalcy in Balaghat.
Balaghat, historically affected by Naxal violence since the 1990s, has seen recurring ambushes and extortion attempts. The coordinated rehabilitation initiative, coupled with consistent security operations, has gradually weakened the Maoist presence, enabling residents to resume normal life.
The success in Balaghat is being hailed as a model for other affected districts in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states, demonstrating the effectiveness of a combined strategy of strict law enforcement and targeted rehabilitation programs.
.jpg)
