Jharkhand: JJMP on brink as ₹5 lakh Naxal commander surrenders in Latehar

Daltonganj, April 3: A sub-zonal commander of the banned Naxal outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), Soorender Lohra alias Tiger (44), carrying a bounty of ₹5 lakh, surrendered before police in Latehar on Thursday, signalling the continued collapse of the group.

Police officials described JJMP as “a severely rotting and decaying tooth” that is now being removed from the region.

JJMP weakening rapidly in Latehar

Once considered a “huge tree of terror,” JJMP has been losing its base quickly. Officials said 2025 marked a major decline for the outfit, and its downfall continues.

The situation worsened after 11 JJMP members surrendered together in September 2025, a rare mass surrender that weakened the organisation significantly.

Profile of the surrendered commander

Lohra, a resident of Latehar, has eight cases registered against him across Latehar, Chandwa, and Herhunj police stations.

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“He was earlier a Maoist, arrested in 2012, and spent around eight years in jail,” said SP Latehar Kumar Gaurav.

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After his release, Lohra joined JJMP. His Naxal involvement dates back to 2006, with his last case registered in May 2025. He surrendered without arms, though he previously handled an SLR.

Police credit family support, sustained efforts

IG Palamu Zone Shailendra Kumar Sinha credited Lohra’s family for his surrender.

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“Such decisions require multiple efforts to build trust. It cannot be measured in time,” he said.

Police also highlighted consistent anti-Naxal operations. SP Gaurav and his team facilitated 23 surrenders in 2025 alone.

Other Naxal groups also under pressure

Officials said the collapse of JJMP has not led to the rise of other groups. Instead, Maoists and TSPC are also struggling.

“The outfit is now on the verge of extinction in Latehar,” said SP Gaurav, attributing the decline to sustained operations and public support.