GADCHIROLI: 11 Naxalites, including key leaders and carrying bounties exceeding ₹1 crore, surrendered before the police at Gadchiroli Police Headquarters on Wednesday. Among them was Vimla Chandra Sidam, alias Tarakka, a prominent leader with a ₹1 crore bounty and 34 years of involvement in Naxalism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Maharashtra government’s efforts to promote development in Maoist-affected areas. “This will certainly boost ‘Ease of Living’ and pave the way for even more progress,” PM Modi stated on social media, extending greetings to the residents of Gadchiroli and nearby areas.
I laud the Maharashtra Government's efforts to ensure all-round development in remote and Maoist-affected areas. This will certainly boost 'Ease of Living' and pave the way for even more progress. A special congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Gadchiroli and the… https://t.co/IbDVZ4GO2v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 2, 2025
The surrendered group consisted of eight women and three men, including three division committee members, one deputy commander, and two area committee members. The Maharashtra government provided them with a financial rehabilitation package worth ₹86 lakh to support their integration into society.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, present during the surrender, expressed optimism about the eradication of Naxalism in the state. He highlighted the transformative changes in Gadchiroli, mentioning improved infrastructure and declining Maoist influence.
“This region, once dominated by Maoists, now boasts roads, bridges, and state transport connectivity for the first time in 75 years,” Fadnavis said. He emphasized that Gadchiroli’s progress reflects a broader shift, with diminishing recruitment and increasing surrenders among Naxal cadres.
With efforts to integrate surrendered Naxalites and develop remote areas, authorities aim to bring sustainable progress to regions like Gadchiroli.
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