Madhya Pradesh accelerates its anti-Naxal campaign; ₹2.36 crore reward-carrying cadres lay down arms under ‘Rehabilitation to Rebirth’ initiative
Balaghat / Madhya Pradesh (Economy India): In a major breakthrough for the Madhya Pradesh government’s anti-Naxal campaign, ten wanted Naxalites—carrying a collective bounty of ₹2.36 crore—surrendered before Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday in Balaghat. The surrender took place during a special programme titled “Punervaas Se Punarjeevan”, aimed at integrating former Naxalites into mainstream society.
The surrendered cadre, including four women, were active in the Bhormadev forest region and were wanted by the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra for a range of violent activities. During the ceremony, the Naxalites handed over an AK-47 rifle, INSAS rifles, and multiple other weapons to authorities.
CM Yadav Calls Surrender a Turning Point; Distributes Constitution Copies
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav personally handed each surrendered Naxalite a copy of the Constitution of India, appealing to them to adopt a peaceful path and assuring full government support.
“The government’s rehabilitation plan is not just an announcement—it is a guarantee,” CM Yadav said.
“Anyone who gives up violence and returns to the mainstream will receive dignity, protection, and full rehabilitation support. Our aim is to provide a safe future to every individual who chooses the path of peace and development.”
He emphasized that the state government, following the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is determined to eliminate Naxalism entirely from Madhya Pradesh.
Campaign Target Advanced: From March 2026 to January 2026
In a significant revelation, CM Yadav announced that the state’s complete Naxal elimination target, initially set for March 2026, has now been advanced to January 2026 due to the effective work of security agencies.
“The time has come to give the ‘last salute’ to the red terror,” the Chief Minister said.
“Our forces have shown extraordinary courage. Dindori and Mandla districts are already Naxal-free, and Balaghat will undergo a ‘Complete Naxal Eradication Drive’ from January.”
He reiterated that no individual is permitted to take up arms against the state and warned that those refusing to surrender will face firm, continued action.
15-Year Rehabilitation Package for Surrendered Cadres
As part of the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy, the government will provide:
- A 15-year structured rehabilitation package
- Housing, healthcare, employment and skill-development benefits
- Security arrangements for former Naxalites and their families
The CM stressed that individuals who surrender voluntarily will receive comprehensive state support, but those who remain active in violence will face intensified crackdowns.
DGP Kailash Makwana Highlights Strengthened Anti-Naxal Strategy
Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana, present at the event, highlighted the recent changes in the state’s anti-Naxal operations.
“Under CM Yadav’s leadership, our anti-Naxal campaign has grown stronger,” Makwana said.
“We have established new camps, increased the strength of the Hawk Force, and boosted coordination between police and paramilitary units. The results are visible across multiple states.”
He added that improved employment opportunities and skill development initiatives in Naxal-affected areas have helped vulnerable youth reject extremism and join the mainstream.
10 Notorious Naxalites Neutralised in 2025
The Chief Minister also underlined the security forces’ achievements in 2025, noting that ten notorious Naxalites carrying bounties up to ₹1.46 crore were eliminated in coordinated operations.
These successful missions, he said, have significantly weakened Naxal networks in central India, particularly in the tri-state region bordering Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
A Step Towards a Naxal-Free Madhya Pradesh
The Balaghat surrender marks one of the most significant setbacks for Naxalite forces in recent years. With security agencies intensifying pressure and the state government offering long-term rehabilitation options, more surrenders are expected in the coming months.
The Madhya Pradesh government believes that accelerated operations, combined with welfare-driven rehabilitation, will help achieve its goal of transforming the state into a completely Naxal-free region by January 2026.
(Economy India)
