Eighteen surrendered Maoists who handled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a guerrilla force have been recruited to train security personnel at the College of Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare (CTJW) in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker, people familiar with the matter said.
The initiative aims to leverage the technical expertise of surrendered Maoists to enhance the operational readiness and tactical capacity of security forces involved in anti-Maoist operations.
The training will include practical insights into Maoist tactics such as IED manufacturing methods, weapon placement strategies, and explosive mechanisms used in forested terrain.
An official letter distributed by the police said that the 18 people have been identified in Sukma, Dantwada, Bijapur and Narayanpur districts and will be sent to the training facility in Kanker. She said that a nodal officer has been appointed to coordinate the selection process, supervise documentation and ensure that the identified individuals report to the training centre.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar, P Sundaraj, said that a select group of surrendered Maoist cadres, who were earlier involved in various activities during their association with the Maoist organisation, have been identified in seven districts of the Bastar mountain range.
He added, “Many of them participated in roles specifically related to handling and deploying IEDs. Among these, about 15 of the surrendered cadres had previously participated as IED trainers, while 10 individuals possessed nursing, medical, or sewing skills.”
He said that this skill-based classification provides valuable insights into the operational roles previously performed by these cadres and helps in shaping appropriate strategies for their rehabilitation, monitoring and skill-based reintegration into the mainstream.
“Moreover, this exercise will help the police and security forces become more effective in their operational duties in the region,” Sundaraj said.
Police officials said the move is part of a broader effort to integrate surrendered cadres into capacity building initiatives and gain a deeper understanding of Maoist operational methods.
The input is expected to help security forces improve detection, neutralization and prevention of IED threats in Bastar region.
