On January 3, 2025, twelve Maoists, including Misir Besra, who had a ₹1 crore bounty on his head, surrendered to security forces in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. The district, known for left-wing extremism, has been a focal point of several operations against the Maoists over the years. Misir Besra’s surrender is a significant breakthrough for security forces, as he was one of the most wanted rebels in the region.
The surrender comes after months of efforts from both the state and central agencies to curb Maoist insurgency in the area. Besra and his associates, who were involved in several Naxalite attacks and operations in Jharkhand and neighboring states, chose to lay down their arms as part of the government’s amnesty program. The amnesty initiative encourages Maoists to surrender and reintegrate into society, offering them an opportunity to start anew and be freed from charges if they adhere to certain conditions.
This surrender is expected to have a major impact on the Naxal activities in West Singhbhum, as Besra was considered a high-ranking figure within the United Revolutionary Front of India (URFI), a key Maoist faction. His arrest and the surrender of his associates will likely weaken the insurgent group’s hold in the region and reduce the threat of violence in the future.