Sukma, February 17 As many as 22 Naxalites surrendered in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, police said.
The cadres, including a woman, turned themselves in before senior police and CRPF officials here under the government's "Poona Margem" (New Dawn) rehabilitation scheme, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.
The Maoists' influence in the district is steadily declining due to ongoing anti-Naxal operations, the establishment of new security camps, and the increased reach of development projects, he said.
The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, District Force Sukma, Range Field Team (RFT) Jagdalpur, and the Central Reserve Police Force played a key role in encouraging the Naxalites to surrender, the SP said.
The surrendered Naxalites were provided with an assistance of Rs 50,000 each, and will be further rehabilitated in accordance with the government's policy, he added.
More than 1,500 Naxalites surrendered in the state in 2025.
The Centre has resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
