In a major breakthrough, two Naxalites with a combined bounty of Rs 8 lakh surrendered to the security forces in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district on Friday. The duo, Ramasu Poyam alias Narsingh (55) and Ramesh Kunjam alias Govind (25), voluntarily gave themselves up to the Gadchiroli police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Ramasu Poyam, a resident of Gadchiroli, carried a bounty of Rs 6 lakh. He was recruited into the Naxal movement in 1992 and became a member of the Tipagadh Local Operating Squad (LOS). Over the years, Poyam rose through the ranks and served as an Area Committee Member (ACM) in the Kutul and Nelnar LOS since 2010. His surrender marks a significant success for law enforcement agencies, who had been closely monitoring his activities for years.
Ramesh Kunjam, hailing from Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh, had a bounty of Rs 2 lakh. Kunjam’s surrender is also considered a major achievement in efforts to weaken Naxalite networks in the region.
The surrender of these two individuals is seen as part of a broader strategy by security forces to encourage Naxalites to abandon violence and reintegrate into society. With the region witnessing a decline in Naxal activities, authorities believe that more insurgents could follow suit, contributing to long-term peace in the area.
The surrender also highlights the ongoing efforts of the state and central government to combat Naxalism and promote peace and development in affected areas like Gadchiroli, which have been hotspots for Naxalite insurgency.
