Abujhmarh, N Bastar Naxal-free, says Shah as 170 Reds to surrender today | Raipur News
RAIPUR/NAGPUR: Chhattisgarh’s Bastar awaits the largest mass surrender of Maoists in its history of Left-wing extremism Friday, with 170 guerrillas lined up to formally lay down arms in what home minister Amit Shah termed a “landmark day” in the battle to purge the country’s Red Corridor of Naxalite influence.“Abujhmarh and North Bastar that were once terror bases have today been declared free from Naxal terror… A trace of Naxalism exists in south Bastar, which will be wiped out soon by security forces,” Shah declared on X.The surrender ceremony, to be held in Jagdalpur in the presence of CM Vishnu Deo Sai and his deputy Vijay Sharma, comes three days after CPI (Maoist) politburo veteran Mallojula Venugopal Rao, aka Bhupathi, turned himself in along with 61 other guerrillas in Maharashtra’s Maoist heartland of Gadchiroli.The Maoists converging on Jagdalpur include 78 who reported to police in Kanker, Sukma and Kondagaon districts late Wednesday. Pictures and videos of armed guerrillas, including women, crossing forested areas and fields to the designated camps are circulating on social media.Maoist commander Rupesh and Marh division in-charge Ranita are part of the surrender list, officials said. Rupesh, who oversaw CPI (Maoist)’s northwest sub-zonal bureau, sent out feelers last April about his willingness to surrender and has since been in contact with security agencies. Sources said he was recently elevated to the outfit’s central committee, but the added responsibilities failed to hold him back. He had been a Maoist for two decades, playing a key role in recruitment, coordination and propaganda.“Naxalism is breathing its last due to the relentless efforts of Modi government,” Shah said. “Our policy is clear: those who want to surrender are welcome, and those who continue to wield the gun will meet the wrath of forces. I appeal again…lay down weapons and join the mainstream. We’re committed to uprooting Naxalism before March 31, 2026.”
