In a major achievement for the police in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, 21 active Maoist cadres, including 14 women, surrendered, turning their back on violence and vowing to return to the mainstream. This group had been under the radar due to the rewards placed on their heads, totaling 76 lakhs, and their surrender is heralded as a historic success against Naxalism in the Bastar region.

The surrendered Maoists brought with them a cache of modern weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles, highlighting their previous engagement in armed conflict. The district police, alongside the special intelligence branch, coordinated the effort that led to this significant event. The surrenderers expressed their commitment to leave behind the path of Naxalism while holding the Indian flag and the Constitution, symbolizing their return to a peaceful life.

The authorities, including Inspector General of Police P. Sundararaj and Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavhan, were present during this notable event. This development reflects broader efforts by security forces to combat Naxalism in India, potentially encouraging others in the movement to rethink their choices and consider returning to normalcy.