Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday reiterated his government’s commitment to peace, development, and the rehabilitation of Naxalites who are willing to lay down arms and rejoin mainstream society. He called upon Naxals to abandon violence and take advantage of the state’s open-door policy for surrender and reintegration.
“We are repeatedly urging that you stop using the language of guns and bullets and join the mainstream of development. The government will ensure justice for you and work towards connecting you with employment,” CM Sai said while addressing the media.
He emphasized that the state has always been open to dialogue and that the government is actively supporting those who surrender, providing them with justice, financial assistance, and livelihood opportunities.
This statement comes in the wake of a significant surrender by 26 Maoists, including three carrying cash rewards, who laid down arms before senior police and CRPF officials at the District Reserve Guard (DRG) headquarters in Dantewada earlier this week. The event was part of the ongoing ‘Lon Varratu’ (Come Home) campaign, a major initiative by the state to bring former extremists back into society.
Under Chhattisgarh’s new rehabilitation policy, surrendered Maoists receive Rs 50,000 in immediate assistance along with access to skill development training, agricultural land, and other reintegration benefits. Since its inception, the ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign has seen 953 Maoists surrender, including 224 with bounties on their heads.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a public meeting in Dantewada on Saturday, praised the initiative and highlighted a new incentive scheme launched by CM Sai and DGP Vijay Sharma.
“The village which makes every Naxalite surrender will be declared Naxal-free and will receive Rs 1 crore as a development fund,” said Shah, reaffirming the Centre’s support for the campaign.
He assured full protection and rehabilitation for those who choose to surrender and align with peaceful, lawful living.
The combined efforts of the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and government agencies under CM Sai’s leadership mark a determined step toward transforming the affected regions and ending the decades-long Naxalite conflict through dialogue and development.