State boasts of best Naxal surrender policy, but no takers

Despite Madhya Pradesh having one of the most liberal and attractive Naxal surrender policy in the country, not a single Naxalite has laid down arms in state in recent years.

- Rajesh Thakur

In contrast, neighbour-ing Chhattisgarh has seen over 2,000 Naxalites surrender since January 2024. Within just two days this month, 258 Naxals surrendered in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Three districts of Madhya Pradesh — Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori — are considered affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The state has deployed CRPF, Hawk Force, Cobra Battalion, SAF and district police to counter the problem.

Police have long been conducting area domination exercises in Balaghat district.

Madhya Pradesh’s original Naxal Surrender Policy was