20 Naxals surrender in Chhattisgarh

Twenty Naxals, including five women, today surrendered in two districts of Maoist-hit Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, police said.

The surrender comes as another boost for state police after 43 Naxals and their supporters, including five women, surrendered yesterday in the region's Sukma district.

While 10 cadres, one of them woman, surrendered before police in Bastar district, as many others turned themselves in in neighbouring Kondagaon district.

"In their statement, the surrendered cadres in Bastar expressed their disappointment with the ideology of outlawed CPI (Maoist). Besides, they also lauded the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the government which compelled them to join the mainstream," Bastar Superintendent of Police R N Dash told PTI.

Among the surrendered ultras, Padmini, who was active as Katekalyan LOS (local organisation squad) member and Theeluram Baghel- a key informer of Maoists, were hardcore members of the banned outfit, the SP said, adding that the remaining ones were lower rung members.

He said an incentive Rs 10,000 was given to each of them.

In a separate incident, 10 rebels, including four women, all of them were working as janmilitia members, surrendered in Kondagaon district.

They all will be ensured facilities under the surrender and rehabilitation policy, a police official said.