MP’s Balaghat district declared ‘Naxal-free’:Zone in-charge among 12 Naxalites surrender, hand over 12 weapons including two AK-47s; 10 more had surrendered a day earlier

Twelve cadres of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered before the police, handing over their weapons, in a major breakthrough against Naxal violence in Balaghat district. The district, historically affected by Naxal activities since the 1990s, has now been officially declared Naxal-free, ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by the Union Home Ministry. Zone in-charge surrenders AK-47; total 12 weapons recovered Among the surrendering cadres was MMC zone in-charge Ramdher Majji, who handed over an AK-47 rifle. His guard and hardcore Naxalite Sunita Oyam had already surrendered earlier. In total, 12 weapons were seized, including two AK-47s, two INSAS rifles, one SLR, and two .303 rifles. Prominent Naxalites join rehabilitation scheme Other key surrendering Naxalites included Chandu Usendi, Lalita, Janki, Prem, Ram Singh Dada, Sukesh Pottam, Laxmi, Sheela, Sagar, Kavita, and Yogita. Balaghat SP Aditya Mishra said the surrenders were influenced by government rehabilitation and revival policies. The cadres have been assured financial aid, skill development training, and social reintegration. Now, only one Naxalite, Deepak, remains active in the district, and authorities hope he will also surrender soon.