RAIPUR: In a breakthrough for the ‘peace and development’ initiative in tribal-dominated Bastar, 51 Maoist cadres, including 24 women, laid down their arms on Saturday. Inspired by the relief and rehabilitation policy of the government, the cadres renounced violence to join the mainstream. The cadres surrendered in the South Bastar region, involving 21 Red rebels from the Sukma district and 30 from the Bijapur district. The group also surrendered a cache of sophisticated weaponry, including AK-47 rifles, SLR rifles, INSAS rifles, and BGL (Barrel Grenade Launcher) launchers. The surrender of 24 women cadres is seen as a blow to the internal structure of the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation, indicating a shifting tide in the ideological hold of the insurgency over local populations.

Source: Indian Express February 07, 2026 14:20 UTC