National
Key Leaders Among 50 Naxals Surrender in Chhattisgarh; Government Credits Rehabilitation Initiatives
This event highlights the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and Chhattisgarh’s rehabilitation programs aimed at disrupting the Naxal network.
The surrenders occurred under the state’s Niyad Nellanar policy, indicating a rising dissatisfaction within Naxal ranks as security forces assert control over established strongholds. Officials attribute this trend to the expanding reach of governance and development initiatives in areas previously dominated by Naxals, leading many insurgents to reconsider their violent paths.
Among those who surrendered were senior leaders of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), such as Ravindra Karam, a member of PLGA Battalion No. 1 with an ₹8 lakh bounty, and Bhima Oyam, an Area Committee Member of the National Park Area Committee, who had been active in the movement for over 25 years and carried a bounty of ₹5 lakh. Aaytu Potam, a president of the Janatana Sarkar with a ₹1 lakh bounty, also surrendered; he has been involved with the Maoist movement since 1996.
Notably, 32 of the surrendered individuals belonged to the militia wing, which has been instrumental in Naxal operations in Bastar. Security officials indicate that dwindling support from local tribal communities has significantly contributed to this trend of surrenders.
Authorities believe this mass surrender results from a range of factors, including enhanced security operations and rehabilitation incentives from the government. Many insurgents expressed their disillusionment with the internal conflicts among Naxal leaders and increasing violence against innocent tribal populations. The ongoing improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, along with welfare programs in areas previously under Maoist control, have prompted many to reconsider their allegiance to the insurgency. The Niyad Nellanar policy offers former Naxals an initial financial grant of ₹25,000, vocational training, and support for reintegration into society, which has also been instrumental in enticing them away from militancy.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav remarked that these surrenders demonstrate a decline in the appeal of Maoist ideology, with villages now prioritizing development over fear.
This recent surrender aligns with broader efforts by security forces to diminish Maoist presence in Bastar. According to police records, since January 1, 2025, 153 Maoists have been arrested, 157 have surrendered, and 83 have been neutralized during encounters. In addition, advanced surveillance technology, including drone monitoring and AI-based tracking, has been introduced to counteract Maoist operations. Over 10 new CRPF and DRG camps have been established in critical Maoist territories since last year, reinforcing the security framework.
In response to the surrenders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended Chhattisgarh’s strategies in combating Naxal insurgency, asserting that each successful operation and rehabilitation effort brings India closer to a Naxal-free future. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Naxal violence has no place in a democratic society.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the effectiveness of the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, reaffirming the government’s dedication to integrating Naxal insurgents back into society. He stated that each cadre who surrenders is a step toward enduring peace in Bastar and encouraged more insurgents to abandon violence in favor of development. However, Opposition leaders have urged for greater transparency in the distribution of rehabilitation funds, calling for a structured oversight mechanism to ensure that surrendered cadres receive the full benefits they deserve.
Authorities have outlined a clear plan for the surrendered insurgents, which includes psychological counseling, skills training, and support for their reintegration into society. Furthermore, the state government has allocated ₹5.2 crore for new vocational training centers in Dantewada and Bijapur to assist former insurgents. Security forces remain vigilant, as intelligence indicates potential retaliatory actions by Naxals in response to these recent developments. Combing operations have been intensified in crucial districts ahead of the monsoon season, a time when Naxals typically regroup.
The assault, claimed by ‘The Resistance Front’—a faction of the banned Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba—resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to several others, including a Nepali national, as terrorists targeted a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley.
In his letter dated April 28, Gandhi emphasized the importance of Parliament uniting to express solidarity against this heinous act of violence. He stated, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked every Indian. In these trying times, India must show that we stand united against terrorism. The Opposition believes a special session should be convened, allowing representatives of the people to demonstrate their unity and determination.”
Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the special session would serve as a strong symbol of collective resolve. He noted, “At this critical juncture, unity and solidarity are vital. It is crucial to convene a special session of both Houses to express our collective will to respond to the brutal attack on innocent citizens on April 22, 2025. We sincerely hope this session will be arranged promptly.”
Additionally, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has also written to Prime Minister Modi, advocating for a special parliamentary session to discuss urgent national security issues raised by the Pahalgam attack. In his letter, Jha expressed grave concern, stating, “As a worried citizen of India, moved by the seriousness of the recent Pahalgam attack, I believe Parliament, as the cornerstone of our Republic, must serve as the platform for the hopes, anxieties, and resolve of the people.”
He called for a special session “dedicated solely to a transparent and principled discussion about the Pahalgam attack and its wider implications for the security and aspirations of the Indian populace. This session would send a strong message indicating our democracy’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to all regions of our nation, particularly those most affected by violence.”
The Central government briefed leaders from various political parties regarding the Pahalgam attack during an all-party meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah. Rahul Gandhi attended the gathering and expressed full support for the government’s planned actions.
The Congress party assured the government of its unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam due to the attack.
Thangaraj was sworn in at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, where Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by Chief Minister Stalin, his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other ministers and officials. Udhayanidhi continues to hold the third position in the order of protocol, following Chief Minister Stalin and veteran minister K Duraimurugan, who oversees irrigation.
Representing the Padmanabapuram constituency in Kanyakumari district, Thangaraj will be responsible for Dairy Development, a role currently held by Raja Kannappan. He is known to have close ties with Kanimozhi, the party’s prominent female leader and MP. With Thangaraj’s induction, the coastal district once again has representation in the council of ministers.
On Sunday, the portfolios of Senthil Balaji and Ponmudy were reallocated. Raja Kannappan has taken over the Forest Department. Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has also assumed additional responsibilities for Electricity, while Housing Minister S Muthusamy now oversees Prohibition and Excise.
Muthusamy, originally from Erode in Western Tamil Nadu, recently transitioned from the AIADMK to the DMK. He previously managed the Prohibition and Excise portfolio during the time when Senthil Balaji was appointed Minister without Portfolio following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.
Hashtags #MunirOut and #MunirMIA trended on X on Monday. Just days prior to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “Jugular Vein” and asserted that Hindus and Muslims are “two separate nations.”
During his address at a Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, Munir stated, “Our stance is unequivocal: it is our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein, and we will not abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their courageous struggle.”
Following the attack, he continued to emphasize the two-nation theory while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad. He remarked that the theory rests on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus constitute two distinct nations. “Muslims differ from Hindus in all aspects—religion, customs, traditions, beliefs, and aspirations,” he stated.
Munir further declared that Pakistan’s existence resulted from “unparalleled struggle and sacrifices,” and underscored that its defense is a duty of the armed forces, saying, “Our forefathers sacrificed greatly for Pakistan’s creation. We know how to protect it.”
To dispel the rumors regarding the Army Chief’s disappearance, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office released a photo featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Munir at an event, with a caption noting the date and location. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with graduating officers of the 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 2025. (sic),” read the caption.
Unverified claims circulating on social media suggested not only that Munir was missing but also that there had been no updates regarding his family. Rumors indicated that his family had reportedly fled the country following the Pahalgam attack.
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