"Maoist Leaders Real Enemies Of Tribals": 16 Naxalites Surrender In Chhattisgarh, Cite Exploitation And 'Hollow' Ideology

As many as 16 Naxalites surrendered before senior police officials in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Wednesday evening, police confirmed on Thursday (11 September), reported The New Indian Express.

Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria said the cadres had grown disillusioned with the “hollow” Maoist ideology, widespread atrocities committed against innocent tribals, and deepening internal rifts within the banned organisation.

The surrendered group comprised lower-rung cadres attached to units such as the Janatana Sarkar, Chetna Natya Mandli and panchayat militias. While not senior figures, they had been pivotal in sustaining the insurgency.

They were actively involved in supplying rations, medicines and other essentials to armed Maoist groups without receiving payment, assisting in transporting weapons and explosives, planting IEDs, gathering intelligence on security force movements, and conducting reconnaissance, the SP said.

During questioning, the cadres accused senior Maoist leaders of being “the real enemies” of tribals.

They claimed villagers were misled with false promises of safeguarding land, forests and water, as well as pledges of equality and justice, only to be exploited instead.

“Local cadres face severe exploitation, and the condition of women Maoists is even worse,” Guria quoted them as saying.

He added, “Many leaders treat the lower cadres as personal slaves under the false pretext of promising them a better future in cities or even abroad.”

Each surrendered cadre has been granted an assistance package of Rs 50,000 and will be rehabilitated under the state government’s policy.

The central government has repeatedly pledged to eradicate Naxalism, with Home Ministry officials stating the movement will be eliminated from the country by March 2026.

Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro’s Orange Line Delayed Another Year As Double-Decker Design Raises Cost And Complexity