In Sukma, Chhattisgarh, a significant breakthrough occurred on Monday as five Naxalites, including a couple, surrendered, bringing an end to their underground life fueled by a reward totaling 17 lakh rupees. A senior police official reported that the surrender to the security forces was prompted by disillusionment with the harsh and hollow Maoist ideology. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai took to the social platform 'X' to extend them a warm welcome post-surrender.
Sukma's Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavhan, identified the surrendered Naxalites as Madkam Pandu, his wife Rawa Bhime, Tati/Madkam Masa, Komram Dula, and Muka Sodhi alias Shekhar. Pandu, who had an 8 lakh rupee reward on his head, was the Deputy Commander of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1 and also a member of the People's Party Committee (PPC).
The SP further disclosed that Bhime, a member of the banned Naxal organization and a PLGA most-wanted, had a prize of one lakh rupees on her head. Masa, reportedly carrying a 5 lakh rupee reward, was involved as the Pampered Area Committee Member/Area Medical Team In-Charge/Area Committee Member (ACM), while Dula, the Section Commander for Platoon No. 10 'B', had a bounty of 2 lakh rupees.
Shekhar, with a reward of 1 lakh rupees for his capture, was part of the South Sub-Zonal Bureau Press Team/Party. The SP noted that all five were involved in several violent incidents but now will receive benefits as per the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy. Once more, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai's post on 'X' conveyed a welcome message to the former militants, offering a new chapter in their lives.
