21 maoists, including 13 women, surrender in Bastar with AK-47s and SLRs

Fresh blow to Maoist ranks as key cadres from Kuemari–Kiskodo Area Committee return to mainstream in Bastar

In another major success for Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal operations, 21 Maoist cadres, including 13 women, surrendered before the police in Kanker district on Sunday. Officials said the cadres, linked to the Kuemari/Kiskodo Area Committee of the Keshkal Division (North Sub-Zonal Bureau), also handed over 18 weapons as they chose to return to the mainstream.

Bastar Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj called it a 'decisive step' in the state’s ongoing effort to dismantle left-wing extremism and promote peace across the Bastar region.

Who they were and what they surrendered

Among the 21 who laid down arms were four Division Committee Members, including Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, nine Area Committee Members and eight rank-and-file members of the banned outfit.

The surrendered Maoists turned in a significant cache of weapons:

3 AK-47 rifles

4 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs)

2 INSAS rifles

6 .303 rifles

2 single-shot rifles

1 BGL (Barrel Grenade Launcher)

“This marks a major blow to the Kuemari–Kiskodo network, which has long been active in northern Bastar,” a senior police officer said.

Police: ‘Another decisive step toward peace’

IG Sundarraj said the surrender reflects growing disillusionment within Maoist ranks and increasing trust in state-led rehabilitation initiatives.

“Another decisive step was achieved today in Kanker district as 21 more cadres voluntarily returned to the mainstream,” he said. “This is a significant milestone in our efforts to curb left-wing extremist influence, build community trust, and promote peace and development in Bastar.”

He added that the rehabilitation and reintegration process is underway, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to a “safer, inclusive, and progressive society.”

A string of recent surrenders

Sunday’s development follows a string of large-scale surrenders in the region. On October 17, 208 Naxalites, many of them mid-level functionaries, surrendered in Jagdalpur, holding copies of the Indian Constitution as a symbolic gesture of returning to democracy.

Officials say the wave of defections is linked to persistent pressure from intensified security operations, combined with state-backed rehabilitation and livelihood schemes for former extremists.

Political backing and the 2026 goal

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently praised the security forces for their 'unwavering courage' in pushing Naxals on the back foot while accelerating development in conflict-hit areas. Speaking on Police Commemoration Day (October 21), Sai highlighted the dual focus on security and inclusive growth.

“The jawans ensure the safety of all by remaining in tough situations,” the Chief Minister said. “They have not just pushed Naxals back but also ensured development in the area.”

The Centre and the state government have jointly set March 31, 2026, as the target to completely eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh.