Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 15 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday reiterated the state government's commitment to peace and development, urging Naxals to abandon violence and join the mainstream.

Speaking to the media, CM Sai stressed that the government has consistently kept the doors open for those willing to surrender, assuring them of justice and employment opportunities.

‘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,’ he said.

‘The government is also doing justice for those who are surrendering,’ the Chief Minister added.

In a recent boost to anti-Naxal operations in the state, 26 Maoists—three of them carrying cash rewards—surrendered before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials in Dantewada on Monday. The surrender took place at the District Reserve Guard (DRG) headquarters as part of the ongoing Lon Varratu (Come Home) campaign, aimed at reintegrating former extremists into mainstream society.

The surrender was facilitated by the joint efforts of the district police, CRPF, and the state’s special rehabilitation policy.

Under the state's revised rehabilitation policy, each surrendered Maoist is entitled to INR 50,000 in immediate assistance along with access to various benefits, including skill development training and agricultural land.

The Lon Varratu campaign has seen substantial success since its inception. So far, 953 Maoists—including 224 carrying cash rewards—have surrendered under the initiative.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted a new incentive introduced by CM Vishnu Deo Sai. According to this incentive, villages that succeed in securing the surrender of all Naxalites will be declared ‘Naxal-free’ and awarded a development fund of INR 1 crore.

‘Vishnu Deo Sai and Vijay Sharma have made an announcement that the village which makes every Naxalite surrender will be declared Naxal-free and one crore rupees will be given as development fund,’ Shah said while addressing a public meeting in Dantewada.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to rehabilitation, Shah stated, ‘If you join the mainstream, Government of India and the Chhattisgarh Government will ensure your full protection.’

(ANI)