Ranchi: Intensified security operations and an attractive surrender policy have led to a sharp rise in the elimination and surrender of extremists in Jharkhand over the past 18 months, official data revealed.Police figures revealed that 32 extremists were killed in 2025, the highest annual toll since 2021, while 22 were eliminated till July this year. In comparison, six extremists were killed in 2021, 11 in 2022, and nine each in 2023 and 2024.Surrenders have also increased significantly. While 38 extremists laid down arms in 2025, the figure touched 45 by July this year. Earlier, 20 extremists had joined the mainstream in 2021, 14 in 2022, 26 in 2023 and 24 in 2024.IG (operations) Narendra Singh attributed the gains to a multi-pronged strategy adopted by joint forces comprising Jharkhand police, CRPF, CoBRA and Jharkhand Jaguar, particularly in Saranda forest, once a Maoist stronghold.“Police tracked and chased Maoists in Saranda daily. Advanced camps were established in operational areas to restrict their movement and disrupt supplies of essentials such as food. Attempts by Maoists to leave the area led to encounters and their elimination,” Singh said.“Police also approached families of Maoists to persuade cadres to surrender. Though the initiative succeeded in several cases, CPI (Maoist) politburo member Misir Besra remained defiant despite appeals involving his son,” Singh added.IG of CRPF, Saket Singh, said sustained operations forced Maoists to surrender in large numbers in 2026. “Earlier, cadres surrendered in ones or twos. This year, groups of 27 and 16 surrendered in May and July, respectively,” he said.Under the state’s rehabilitation policy, surrendered extremists receive financial assistance, rewards for deposited weapons and ammunition, skill training and up to four decimals of land for constructing houses, depending on their category. Officers said the measures were intended to help former extremists rebuild their lives and remain in the mainstream.
