Six Maoists surrender in Kanker, rehab push gathers pace in Bastar Six Maoist cadres, including five from the Rajnandgaon–Kanker border division and one from the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), have surrendered to police in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. The cadres, who were active in the border region, have opted to abandon violence and join the mainstream. The surrendered individuals include area committee members Mangesh Podiyami, Ganesh VK, Mangti Jurri, Hidme Markam (alias Sunita), and Raje, along with PPCM-level cadre Swaroopa Usendi of PLGA company five. Police confirmed that the cadres handed over three firearms, including an SLR and two .303 rifles. Authorities stated that the surrendered cadres provided critical information, enabling efforts to connect with other active Maoists in the region and encourage them to disengage from violence. The police emphasized that formal rehabilitation procedures, including reintegration into society and the official transfer of weapons, will follow established policies. Bastar range Inspector General P Sundarraj reiterated his appeal to remaining Maoist cadres to abandon violence and return to mainstream life, assuring them of government support under the rehabilitation framework. Officials noted that over 2,700 Maoist cadres have joined the mainstream in the past 26 months under the surrender and rehabilitation policy. The ongoing drive reflects a significant shift in the region’s conflict dynamics, with authorities focusing on de-radicalization and reintegration rather than confrontation. The Kanker district police chief, Nikhil Rakhecha, highlighted the cadres’ decision to end their involvement in militant activities as a positive development for regional stability.#maoists #rajnandgaon_kanker #people_s_liberty_guerrilla_army #bastar #kanker_district
