The most significant surrender came from MMC zone in-charge Ramdher Majji, one of the key figures active in the Balaghat zone. Majji submitted his AK-47 rifle, signalling what officials described as the collapse of the remaining Maoist network in the region. His close associate and armed guard, Sunita Oyam, had surrendered a day earlier along with 10 other cadres.
Those who laid down arms on Monday include Chandu Usendi, Lalita, Janki, Prem, Ram Singh Dada, Sukesh Pottam, Laxmi, Sheela, Sagar, Kavita and Yogita. Balaghat Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra said the surrender was prompted by sustained security operations and the government’s rehabilitation initiatives, which offer financial assistance, vocational training and support for reintegration.
“Balaghat has been one of the most challenging Naxal-affected districts. This collective surrender is a turning point,” Mishra said, adding that the district now has only one active Maoist member, identified as Deepak. Efforts are underway to ensure he too returns to the mainstream.
Balaghat has seen Naxal activity since the early 1990s due to its dense forests and proximity to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Over the past few years, coordinated operations by state police and central security agencies have steadily weakened the movement’s presence.
The Union Home Ministry had set March 2026 as the target to free the district from Naxal influence. With the latest development, Madhya Pradesh has achieved the milestone more than a year ahead of schedule, strengthening its security footprint in the state’s border region. Authorities expect the rehabilitation of surrendering cadres to further stabilise the area and prevent future recruitment.
