Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 16 (HBTV): One Naxal operative was killed during a joint operation by security forces in the Kolnar area of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said on Saturday.

According to the CRPF, the search operation began on Saturday morning and is still underway. Personnel from the CRPF's 202 CoBRA and 210 CoBRA units, the state police’s Special Task Force, and the District Reserve Guard are participating in the operation.

No injuries to security personnel have been reported so far, while intermittent firing continues at the site.

Earlier on April 10, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the state's commitment to peace and development, urging Naxals to abandon violence and join the mainstream.

Speaking to the media, CM Sai stated: ‘We have kept the path open for them (Naxals) from the beginning. We are repeatedly urging that you stop using the language of guns and bullets and join the mainstream of development. The government will ensure justice for you and work towards connecting you with employment.’

In a recent development, 26 Maoists—including three carrying cash rewards—surrendered before senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada on Monday, marking a significant boost to anti-Naxal operations in the state.

The surrender took place at the District Reserve Guard (DRG) headquarters as part of the ongoing Lon Varratu (Come Home) campaign, which aims to reintegrate former extremists into mainstream society.

The surrender was facilitated through the coordinated efforts of the district police, CRPF, and the state's special rehabilitation policy.

Under the new rehabilitation initiative, each surrendered Maoist will receive INR 50,000 in immediate assistance, in addition to skill development training and access to agricultural land.

The Lon Varratu campaign has seen considerable success since its inception, with 953 Maoists—224 of them carrying cash rewards—having surrendered so far.(ANI)