51 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
Bijapur/Kanker(PTI): As many as 51 Naxalites, 20 of them carrying a collective bounty of Rs 66 lakh, surrendered in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, police said.
Hailing the development, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the country is now rapidly moving towards achieving the goal of a Naxal-free India.
Fifty-one Naxalites, including nine women, returned to the mainstream citing that they were impressed by the state government's rehabilitation policy and development initiatives, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said.
Their decision to quit the path of violence marks another significant step in the state government's ongoing mission to eradicate Naxalism through peace, dialogue and development, he said.
Their surrender was part of 'Poona Margham - Punarwas se Punarjeevan' (rehabilitation for social integration), a rehabilitation initiative launched by Bastar Range police for Naxalites.
Among those who surrendered were five members of the PLGA (Peoples' Liberation Guerrilla Army) battalion number 01 and company numbers 01, 02 and 05, one area committee member, seven members of area committees party and platoon, three members of the LOS (local organisation squad) group, one militia platoon commander, 14 militia platoon members and 20 lower-rung members, he said.
Since January 2024, a total of 650 Maoists have joined the mainstream in Bijapur, 196 were neutralised in encounters, while 986 others were arrested, he said.
"The government's rehabilitation policy has been attracting Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream. The families of Maoists who are joining the mainstream also want them to live a normal life and move forward hand in hand with society," Yadav said.
The necessary legal process for the rehabilitation and reintegration of these 51 cadres into society is underway.
In a post on 'X', CM Sai said, "The light of rehabilitation dispels the darkness of fear. The Chhattisgarh government's Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyad Nella Nar scheme have instilled new hope in young people involved in the violent ideology of Maoism. Leaving the path of violence, they are now returning to the mainstream".
"Under the 'Poona Margham' campaign, and through the continuous efforts of the security forces, 51 Maoists, carrying a total reward of Rs 66 lakh, surrendered today, expressing their faith in the Constitution and resolving to live a life of dignity within the democratic system," he said.
This step is proof that Bastar is now entering a new era of peace and progress, dispelling the darkness of fear and violence. The government's sensitive policies and humanitarian approach have proven that dialogue is the permanent solution to this problem, he said.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the country is now rapidly moving towards the goal of a Naxal-free India, he added.
Meanwhile, 21 active Maoist cadres who had surrendered on Sunday (October 26) in Kanker district, were formally reintegrated into the social mainstream in the presence of tribal community elders and senior officials during a function in the district.
They were welcomed into the mainstream by being presented with copies of the Constitution of India, symbolising their return to democratic life, during a function held at the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare (CTJW) College, Kanker, police said.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said the reintegration of these 21 cadres into society reflects the growing disillusionment of the Maoist cadres with the violent and anti-people ideology.
The cadres, including 18 women, carried a cumulative reward of Rs 85 lakh on their heads, he said.
They handed over 18 weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, four Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), two INSAS rifles, five .303 rifles, one 315 bore rifle, two single shot rifles and Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL) to police, he said.
Sundarraj has also categorically mentioned that the remaining top Maoist cadres, including Politburo member Devji, Central Committee member Hidma, DKSZC (Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee) members Pappa Rao, Barse Deva and others - have no option other than shunning violence and joining the mainstream, otherwise they will have to face decisive operations.
Kanker Senior Superintendent of Police, Indira Kalyan Elesela, said with this surrender in Kanker, the Kuyemari/Kiskodo area committee of Maoists has been effectively dismantled, further weakening the presence of Naxalites in the Keshkal Division.
With the complete dismantling of these area committees, another stronghold of Naxals has been neutralised in Bastar region, he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Iqra aims to create leaders for community: Syed Mohamed Beary at Annual Day in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: “The aim of Iqra is to create leaders for the community,” said Syed Mohamed Beary while presiding over the Annual Day 2026 and Hifz felicitation programme of Iqra Arabic School, highlighting the institution’s focus on leadership and long-term community development.
Presiding over the event, Syed Mohamed Beary, Chairman of the Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Educational and Charitable Trust, Mangaluru, spoke at length about the journey of the institution since its launch in 2000. He recalled the early days of the school and said it was started with a clear vision to serve the community through education rooted in values. He expressed pride in how the institution has grown over the years, both in strength and in its role within the community.
He said Iqra Arabic School was not built only to provide basic education, but to nurture individuals who can take responsibility and guide society. According to him, the institution has consistently worked towards shaping students into capable leaders who can face present-day challenges while staying connected to their roots. He stressed that the focus has always been on building character along with knowledge.
The programme was compered by Moulana Farhan Nadwi, who introduced the vision of the institution and said the school strives to prepare leaders and scholars who can respond to modern challenges faced by the community.
Chief guest Moulana Maqbool Kobatte, Principal, Jamia Islamia Bhatkal, congratulated the students and their parents for completing the memorisation of the Qur’an. He said these Huffaz are part of Allah’s promise of preserving the Qur’an until the Day of Judgement. He described the Qur’an as a guide for life and said while recitation is important, it is equally necessary to practise its teachings. He also noted that in the race for worldly success, people are moving away from values such as humanity, brotherhood and unity.
Taha Mateen, Chairman and Managing Director of ACURA Speciality Hospital, said the community should not forget its Islamic roots and history. He recited lines of poetry by Iqbal: “Kabhi ae nawjawaan Muslim tadabbur bhi kiya tu ne, wo kya gardu tha tu jiska hai ek toota hua taara.” He stressed the need to understand the Qur’an and recognise its importance, and urged students to continue learning across different fields without stopping at any stage. He congratulated the students, parents and the management.
Dr. C P Habeeb Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director o Unity Health Complex, Mangaluru said there is a need for introspection within the Muslim community to understand what has gone wrong and why it has fallen behind despite contributing to global civilisation. He also spoke about the lack of leadership within the community.
Students presented cultural programmes based on Islamic teachings during the event. Two of the books authored by the students of the institution were also released during the event
A total of 18 students who completed Hifz this year were felicitated and presented with mementos by the guests. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Moulana Salim Khalifa, the principal of the institution.
