Amit Shah Urges Naxalites to Surrender as 22 Naxals Lay Down Arms in Chhattisgarh
SUKMA, April 18 — Following the surrender of 22 Naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called on remaining Naxalites to lay down their arms and embrace the government’s surrender policy. Shah reiterated the Modi government’s firm commitment to eradicating Naxalism across the country by March 2026.
In a post on X, Shah highlighted the success of recent operations by the Cobra Commandos and Chhattisgarh Police, which led to the arrest of 22 Naxals with modern weapons and explosive materials in Bijapur district. He also noted that 11 Naxals had surrendered in the Badesetti Panchayat of Sukma, making the area Naxal-free.
“I appeal to the Naxalites to lay down their arms and join the mainstream by adopting the Modi government’s surrender policy. We are determined to free the nation from the scourge of Naxalism before March 31, 2026,” Amit Shah said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his satisfaction over the developments, announcing that efforts would be made to rehabilitate the surrendered Naxals in line with government policies. He emphasized that 22 Naxals, including 11 with bounties totaling Rs 40 lakhs, had surrendered in Sukma, signaling a shift towards reintegration into society. He also assured that the state would follow through on the Centre’s vision of eradicating Naxalism by March 2026.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh BJP Chief Kiran Singh Deo commented on the increasing peace in Bastar district, stating, “Bastar is slowly moving towards peace, with government welfare schemes and development reaching previously inaccessible areas. It’s time for everyone to be part of the mainstream.”
Earlier in the day, 22 Naxals, including nine women, surrendered in Sukma, and the event was attended by Superintendent of Police (SP) Kiran Gangaram Chavan. The SP confirmed that the surrendered individuals would receive the full benefits of the government’s surrender policy, which includes immediate assistance and rehabilitation support.
“These Naxals, from Maad (Chhattisgarh) and Nuapada (Odisha) divisions, will be given benefits as per the government’s policy. Some have bounties of Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs,” Sukma SP Chavan said.
In a separate incident earlier, 26 Maoists, three of whom had cash rewards, surrendered in Dantewada as part of the ongoing ‘Lon Varratu’ (Come Home) campaign. This initiative aims to reintegrate former extremists into mainstream society and has been supported by joint efforts from district police, the CRPF, and the state’s rehabilitation programs. Each surrendered Maoist receives Rs 50,000 in immediate assistance, along with skill development and access to agricultural land.
