Bhubaneswar, Dec 23 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, a group of 22 individuals associated with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group, including 10 women, voluntarily surrendered their weapons to the Odisha Police in Malkangiri district on Tuesday.

All of the Left-Wing Extremists (LWE), part of the Chhattisgarh cadre, presented themselves to the Odisha Police in the presence of YB Khurania, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), during a specially organized event.

The surrendered Maoists boasted a cumulative bounty of approximately Rs 1.48 crore, as reported by sources from the Malkangiri Police.

This group also handed over a total of nine firearms, which included one AK-47 rifle, two INSAS rifles, one SLR rifle, three .303 rifles, and two single-shot rifles.

The defectors comprised 19 members from the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), two members from the Andhra–Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), and one individual from the Gadchiroli Area Committee.

In an official declaration, the Odisha Police confirmed that these surrendered members have renounced violence, cut ties with extremist activities, and expressed their desire to reintegrate into mainstream society, showing commitment to the democratic process.

During a media interaction, DGP Khurania emphasized the importance of the 'Revised Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme', recently put forth by the state government.

He encouraged Maoists operating in various regions to forsake violence and embrace mainstream society.

Khurania confirmed that the government is prepared to offer all necessary support for the rehabilitation of those who surrender.

"Our Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme is recognized as the best in the country, facilitating comprehensive arrangements for the rehabilitation of Maoists. As a successful outcome of this scheme, 22 Maoists, including one Divisional Committee Member, six Area Committee Members, and 15 CPI (Maoist) party members, surrendered in Malkangiri today," Khurania stated.

He expressed optimism that other extremists still active in the state would also choose to lay down their arms and abandon violence.

The Odisha DGP commended various units of the Odisha Police and the Central Armed Police Force for their diligent work in combating Left-Wing Extremism in the state.

He also noted that approximately 60 to 70 insurgents are presently active in Odisha, assuring that the state police have implemented measures to prevent the infiltration of Maoists from neighboring regions into Odisha.