On January 14, 2026, 29 Maoist rebels surrendered to police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, officials confirmed. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the cadres, active members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) frontal wings, surrendered under the "Poona Margem" initiative focused on rehabilitation and social reintegration. "They were impressed by the State Government's surrender and rehabilitation policy," Chavan added. Among them was Podiam Budhra, head of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) in the Gogunda area, who had a ₹2 lakh reward on his head. The other surrendering cadres belonged to DAKMS, militia, and Janatana Sarkar wings of the Maoists. Chavan highlighted that the recent setup of a security camp in Gogunda was crucial. "Intensified anti-Naxal operations, sustained pressure and continuous search operations significantly curtailed Maoist activities in the region," he said. Previously, Gogunda’s tough terrain served as a safe base for Maoists in the Darbha division. But with the security camp, the stronghold was effectively broken. "With this surrender, the Maoists' support system in the Darbha division has also been weakened," Chavan noted. He appealed to all Maoist associates to abandon violence, promising security and a dignified life. Earlier this month, 63 Maoists surrendered in nearby Dantewada and 26 in Sukma on January 7. Over 1,500 Maoists laid down arms in Chhattisgarh in 2025. The Centre aims to eliminate Maoism nationwide by March 31, 2026.