A large group of Maoists is giving up arms in Chhattisgarh as part of an ongoing push by the government to end Naxal violence. On Thursday, 170 Maoists surrendered to authorities and are scheduled to formally lay down arms before the state’s Chief Minister, Vishu Deo Sai. Among the group is Takkalappalli Vasudeva Rao, also known as Rupesh, who is infamous as the Maoists’ bombmaker. Another key member, Ranita, the head of the Maad division under the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKZC), is also part of the surrender.
Rupesh, aged 59, has a long history of involvement in violent acts. Intelligence records link him to the December 2, 2000 attack on then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He was also reportedly involved in the killings of political and police figures in 1999. Both Rupesh and Ranita have been active in the dense forests of Abujhmad, Chhattisgarh, which has been one of the most significant Maoist strongholds.
The surrender of these senior Maoist members is seen as a major step by the government to weaken the insurgent movement. Officials describe the group as containing experienced cadres who have been active in central India’s insurgent zones for decades. Their decision to surrender follows a wave of similar defections, including that of Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Sonu, Abhay, or Bhupati, who was a former Politburo member and the ideological head of the banned CPI (Maoist). Intelligence reports suggest Rupesh had been in contact with Sonu before deciding to quit armed struggle, indicating that the recent high-profile resignations are part of a broader trend within the movement.
The Indian government has welcomed the mass surrender, calling it a significant achievement in the fight against Naxalism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the decision of the 170 Maoists to renounce violence and reintegrate into society. He noted that 27 Maoists had surrendered the previous day in Chhattisgarh, and another 61 in Maharashtra. Over two days, a total of 258 members laid down arms. Shah also highlighted that since the state government took office in January 2024, 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1,785 have been arrested, and 477 have been killed during operations.
Shah emphasized that areas like Abujhmad and North Bastar, once strongholds of Naxal violence, are now free from Naxal terror. “It is a matter of immense pleasure that Abujhmarh and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh, which were once terror bases, have today been declared free from Naxal terror. Now, only traces of Naxalism remain in South Bastar, which will soon be eliminated by our security forces,” he said in a statement.
ALSO READ: Kashmir voters face disappointment after high expectations
ALSO READ: Inflammation linked to 60% of global deaths: What you need to know
He also reiterated the government’s policy on surrender and security. Those who choose to give up arms are welcomed, he said, while those who continue to engage in violence will face the full force of the law. “I appeal again to those who are still on the path of Naxalism to lay down their weapons and join the mainstream. We are committed to uprooting Naxalism before March 31, 2026,” Shah added.
The surrender of senior cadres like Rupesh and Ranita is being seen as a major blow to the Maoist movement. Analysts say that losing experienced members who were involved in high-profile attacks undermines the operational strength of the group. It also sends a message to lower-level cadres that surrendering can provide a way to return to normal life.
The government has been running special rehabilitation programs for those who lay down arms. These programs include vocational training, financial assistance, and social support to help former Maoists reintegrate into society. Officials believe that such programs, combined with strong security measures, are key to permanently reducing Naxal influence in the region.
While the Maoist insurgency has declined in some areas, the government remains cautious. Security forces continue to monitor remaining pockets of Naxal activity, particularly in South Bastar. The strategy combines targeted operations against armed groups with efforts to encourage surrender through dialogue and rehabilitation.
The surrender of 170 Maoists on Thursday is considered one of the largest in recent times and is expected to strengthen the government’s efforts to end Naxalism. Union Home Minister Shah said, “These numbers mirror our fierce resolve to decimate Naxalism before March 31, 2026.” He stressed that the government’s approach balances law enforcement with opportunities for those willing to renounce violence.
Experts believe that sustained efforts, including security operations and rehabilitation programs, are gradually reducing the influence of Maoist groups in central India. The surrender of high-profile figures like Rupesh may encourage others within the movement to consider laying down their weapons, further weakening the insurgency.
Overall, the mass surrender marks a significant milestone in the government’s campaign against Naxalism. With continued vigilance, focused rehabilitation, and law enforcement, officials aim to ensure that regions once plagued by insurgency return to peace and development.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash