“Those Choosing the Path of Peace Are Welcome, Others Will Face Continued Operations,” Says Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma
Published on: October 26, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Mohla, India
In a significant development signaling a positive shift in the fight against left-wing extremism, 21 armed Naxalites from the Keshkal Division (North Sub-Zonal Bureau) under Bastar Range have surrendered their weapons and opted for rehabilitation under the state’s surrender and reintegration policy. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma expressed happiness over the move, terming it “a reflection of people’s faith in peace and progress.”
The surrendered group includes 13 women and 8 men, among them Division Committee Secretary Mukesh. They handed over 18 weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, four SLR rifles, two INSAS rifles, six .303 rifles, two single-shot rifles, and one BGL weapon.
Among the 21 surrendered cadres, four are Division Vice Committee Members (DVCM), nine Area Committee Members (ACM), and eight party members. Deputy CM Sharma credited the success to the strategic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, as well as the sensitive rehabilitation policy designed to encourage extremists to return to the mainstream.
“This is not an isolated case. Earlier, 210 Maoists had chosen the path of rehabilitation, and now 21 more have followed,” Sharma said. “The government will extend a red-carpet welcome to those who surrender with dignity, but the operations against those persisting in violence will continue relentlessly. Freeing Bastar from the shadow of red terror remains our top priority.”
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He further stated that western and northern Bastar regions are now witnessing stability and freedom from extremist control, while continuous efforts are underway in southern Bastar to ensure peaceful reintegration of remaining cadres into mainstream society.
Deputy CM Sharma also appreciated Prime Minister Modi’s mention in the 127th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, highlighting the role of Indian-bred dogs in national security operations. He praised security forces for training and deploying indigenous breeds in anti-Naxal missions, noting their excellent performance — including one instance where a trained Indian dog detected 8 kg of explosives (IED).
He added that the use of local breeds is a shining example of the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, as these dogs are well-adapted to Indian conditions and enhance the operational efficiency of security forces.
Concluding his remarks, Deputy CM Sharma lauded the innovative ‘Garbage Café’ initiative in Ambikapur, recognized nationally for promoting a plastic-free city model, calling it a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.
