Sun Mar 30 11:31:19 UTC 2025: ## Maoist Surrenders Double in Chhattisgarh, CRPF Intensifies Efforts
**Raipur, March 30, 2025** – The number of Maoist surrenders in Chhattisgarh has more than doubled in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to data accessed by PTI. This surge follows a focused effort by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to persuade Maoist cadres to lay down their arms.
From January to March 2024, 124 Maoists surrendered. This year, that number has jumped to 280, including hardcore members and Jan militia affiliates. The CRPF attributes this increase to its intensified intelligence operations, which include identifying and engaging with Maoist sympathizers to encourage surrenders.
The CRPF’s intelligence wing is actively targeting members of the Jan militia and Revolutionary People’s Committees (RPC), aiming to shift the CPI (Maoist)’s perception toward mainstream society. This strategy aligns with the Union Government’s goal of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026.
The CRPF, which has around 20 battalions deployed in Chhattisgarh, employs a three-pronged approach: anti-Maoist operations, civic outreach programs, and increased surrender initiatives. A senior CRPF officer stated that more surrenders directly correlate to reduced violence. The force’s extensive deployment in LWE-affected areas contributes to its higher surrender rate compared to state police or other CAPFs.
The overall number of surrenders in 2024 reached 787, primarily facilitated by the CRPF and its CoBRA commando unit. Fifteen more Maoists surrendered in Dantewada district on March 29th, seven of whom were persuaded through consistent counseling and awareness campaigns by the CRPF intelligence wing.
Government figures indicate an 81% decrease in Maoist violence nationwide and an 85% reduction in civilian and security force deaths.
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