20 Naxalites, including nine women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Wednesday, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The surrenders, coupled with the success of ‘Operation Black Forest’ in Chhattisgarh, signal a turning point in India’s fight against the decades-long insurgency that has plagued its heartland.

In Sukma, the 20 Naxalites, 11 of whom carried a collective bounty of Rs 33 lakh, turned themselves in before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials. Among them were high-value cadres like Sharmila alias Uika Bhime (25) and Tati Kosi alias Parmila (20), each with an Rs 8 lakh reward, and Muchaki Hidma (54), an area committee member with a Rs 5 lakh bounty. Sukma’s Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavan, said the group was disillusioned with the “hollow” Maoist ideology, citing internal rifts and atrocities against tribal communities. The state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme, which drives development in remote villages, and a new surrender and rehabilitation policy played a key role in their decision.

Each surrendered Naxalite received Rs 50,000 in immediate aid and will benefit from rehabilitation programs offering education, employment, and a path to reintegration. “Give up arms and embrace a life of dignity,” Chavan urged remaining Maoists, emphasizing that their surrender could pave the way for a brighter future for tribal communities.

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Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Shah honored security forces for their daring ‘Operation Black Forest’ on Karregutta hill, which demolished a major Naxal base camp. Despite extreme heat, high altitude, and the constant threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), personnel from the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and CoBRA executed a flawless mission, destroying the insurgents’ supply chain and material dump. “This operation will be remembered as a golden chapter in anti-Naxal history,” Shah declared, vowing that the government will not rest until every Naxalite surrenders, is captured, or is eliminated.

Shah highlighted the devastating toll of Naxalism, which has disrupted schools, hospitals, and welfare schemes in some of India’s least developed regions. Continuous operations have brought hope to 6.5 crore people across the Naxal-affected corridor from Pashupatinath to Tirupati, he said. The government is also prioritizing support for injured security personnel, ensuring their welfare and rehabilitation.

With Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma in attendance, Shah’s resolute stance underscored a multi-pronged strategy combining aggressive operations, surrenders, and development initiatives. As the March 2026 deadline approaches, the surrender of high-profile Naxalites and the destruction of their strongholds mark a pivotal moment in India’s quest to eradicate Naxalism and restore peace to its tribal heartlands.

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