Raipur, 30 March (H.S.): On March 30, 50 Naxalites, including 13 with a bounty of 6.8 million rupees, surrendered in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, after encounters in the region. Welcomed by police forces, Superintendent Dr. Jitendra Yadav noted that this significant surrender would greatly impact the Naxalite organization.

The surrendered individuals were linked to various PLGA battalions, holding roles such as militia commanders and other positions. Each received a check for 25,000 rupees as an encouragement to abandon their former lives. The surrender was attributed to improved regional development, including better infrastructure, alongside disillusionment with Naxalite ideology and internal conflicts influencing their departure.

The Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy provides these former Naxalites an opportunity to reintegrate into society. Notable surrendering individuals include Ronnie Persik, Rakesh Kardi, Kope Lekham, Shanti Tati, and Sonu Hemla, all associated with the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army.

Bhima Oyama, also known as Jeevan, aged 36 from Tarrem, has been active since 2000 with a reward of five lakh. Similarly, Paiki Hapka (alias Sukai), 30, has been active since 2003, with a five lakh reward. Sonu Tati, 28, has been involved since 2008, also carrying a five lakh reward. Pozza Tati, or Diwakar, aged 32, active from 2017, has a reward of one lakh. Others like Nani Madvi (35), Budh Ram Padam (28), Paiki Potam (38), and Ayatu Potam (45) have various roles since the 1990s-2000s, each rewarded with one lakh. Ayatu Kursam (alias Ista), 45, in Patelpara under Gangloor Police, has been active since 2001 in the Saavanar RPC Militia. Lachhu Kursam, 30, has been active since 2006 in the same militia. Lachhu Hemla (alias Ravi), 45, from Mukapara has been with Savanar RPC Janatana Sarkar since 1997. Deputy Commander Sannu Puneam (30) and Doctor Team Leaders Sudaru Kursham (28) and Sannu Tati (alias Kolla, 29) serve active roles in the militia since 2004, 2007, and 2008, respectively.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar