Raipur, October 17<\/p>\n
Today marks a historic day not only for Bastar but for the entire state of Chhattisgarh and the nation. A total of 210 Maoist cadres, who had lived for years under the shadow of violence and fear, have renounced arms and embraced the Constitution under the \u201cPoona Margem \u2013 From Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation\u201d programme. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, addressing a press conference in Jagdalpur, said this event heralds a new era of peace, trust and development in Chhattisgarh.<\/p>\n
CM Sai said that the youth who were once trapped in the false ideology of Maoism have now reposed their faith in the power of democracy, the ideals of the Constitution, and the sensitive policies of the State Government by returning to the social mainstream.<\/p>\n
Significantly, among the 210 surrendered Maoists are one Central Committee member, four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members, one Regional Committee member, 22 Divisional Committee members, 61 Area Committee members, and 98 Party members. They collectively carried a reward of \u20b99.18 crore.<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, the 210 cadres surrendered 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47s, 17 SLRs, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, four carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 shotguns, and one pistol.<\/p>\n
Calling the moment one of the most emotional and satisfying in his life, CM Sai said, \u201cThe youth who laid down their guns and picked up the Constitution have sown the seeds of peace and unity in the future of Chhattisgarh. Change comes through policy and trust, not through fear and violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
He emphasized that the State Government\u2019s initiatives such as the Naxalite Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, and Poona Margem \u2013 From Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation have become the strong foundation of transformation not just in Bastar but across Chhattisgarh. \u201cThese policies have replaced guns and gunpowder with dialogue, sensitivity and development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Terming the event a result of coordinated efforts, CM Sai said, \u201cThis unprecedented surrender is the outcome of joint efforts by the Central and State Governments. The police, security forces, local administration, social organizations and civil society have together achieved a transformation that will be remembered as a milestone in Bastar\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n
He further stated that this scene is not just an inspiration for Bastar but for the entire country \u2014 \u201cWhen intentions are pure and policies are people-centric, the end of violence and the beginning of peace become possible.\u201d CM Sai described this collective surrender as the biggest success in the history of Bastar\u2019s anti-Naxal campaign.<\/p>\n
Calling it a decisive step toward eradicating the roots of violence, CM Sai said, \u201cIn Abujhmad and North Bastar, where once fear ruled, faith now prevails. Those who once hid in the forests are today contributing to building society.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the double-engine government is firmly committed to making Chhattisgarh completely free of Naxalism. \u201cUnder the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, we are moving rapidly toward this goal. The transformation in Bastar is proof of this resolve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
CM Sai assured that the State Government is fully committed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the surrendered cadres. \u201cEvery individual will be provided opportunities for self-employment, training, housing, education and livelihood so that they can lead a dignified life and play an active role in society\u2019s development,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He underlined that this mass surrender embodies the spirit of Poona Margem \u2013 From Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation, which conveys that the path of change lies in trust, not violence. \u201cThis programme will now bring new energy to Bastar in the fields of rehabilitation, education, health and livelihood improvement,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Calling it a defining moment in Bastar\u2019s history, CM Sai said, \u201cThis historic event proves that when government policies are sensitive and people-oriented, even the toughest problems can be solved. Our goal is not just to end Naxalism, but to build a new Bastar \u2014 where every home has faith and every heart has the light of development.\u201d<\/p>\n
He expressed gratitude to the people of the region, public representatives, the media, security forces and civil society for their cooperation. \u201cThe journey of peace, development and prosperity will be sustainable only when every section of society embraces this spirit of transformation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government\u2019s vision to transform Bastar into a self-reliant region through new industries, better education, healthcare and connectivity. \u201cThe greenery of the forests will now be matched by the brightness in the lives of its youth,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
CM Sai concluded by saying, \u201cThis is not merely a surrender, but a journey of awakening. This is the new identity of Chhattisgarh \u2014 of peace, trust and development. In the days to come, Bastar will not only be Naxal-free but will emerge as a model of peace and transformation for the entire nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among those present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, MP Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, ADG CRPF Amit Kumar, ADG BSF Namgyal, ADG (ANO) Vivekanand Sinha, Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P, Superintendents of Police from all Bastar districts, and senior officers from Central Armed Police Forces.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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