On January 7, 2026, 26 Maoist cadres surrendered to police and CRPF officials in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, police announced. Among them were 7 women and 13 key members carrying a combined bounty of ₹65 lakh. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the group was active in the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and had caused violence in Abujhmad, Sukma, and Odisha border areas. The cadres joined the 'Poona Margem' program, which focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration. One of the top cadres, Lali alias Muchaki Aayte Lakhmu (35), a company party committee member, had a ₹10 lakh bounty. She was involved in the 2017 Koraput road IED blast that killed 14 security personnel. Four others—Hemla Lakhma (41), Aasmita alias Kamlu Sanni (20), Rambati alias Padam Jogi (21), and Sundam Pale (20)—each had a bounty of ₹8 lakh. Hemla Lakhma took part in the 2020 Minpa ambush in Sukma where 17 security personnel were killed. Additionally, three cadres carried ₹5 lakh bounties each, one had ₹3 lakh, one had ₹2 lakh, and three carried ₹1 lakh each. All surrendered Maoists received ₹50,000 assistance and will be further supported as per government rules. Mr. Chavan urged all Maoists to give up violence, promising security and a dignified life for those who surrender.