“The remaining Maoist cadres, including Politburo Member Devji, Central Committee Member Ramder, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) Member Pappa Rao, Deva (Barse Deva), and others, have no option left except to give up violence and join the mainstream,” the IG added.

Official legal procedures are being carried out for the rehabilitation and reintegration of all 28 cadres into society. ‘Poona Margham’ has turned into a significant step towards lasting peace and positive transformation in the Bastar region.

The rehabilitation is the result of the sustained, coordinated, and determined efforts of the local community, administration, police, and security forces of Narayanpur district, officials said.

Among those who surrendered were a Divisional Committee Member (Maad), members of the military wing PLGA company, Area Committee Members, technical team members, military platoon members, and Local Organising Squad members.

Since the BJP came to power in December 2023 in Chhattisgarh, around 2,300 Maoists have allegedly surrendered in the state.