Context

The article is in news following the largest mass surrender of Maoist cadres in Odisha this year, which occurred days after the State revised its Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy.

Surrenders in Malkangiri

0.1 As many as 22 Left-Wing Extremists (LWE) surrendered before the police in Malkangiri district.
0.2 The surrendered cadres included one divisional committee member and six area committee members, indicating senior-level participation.

Arms and Materials Recovered

0.3 The cadres handed over firearms including an AK-47, two INSAS rifles, and an SLR.
0.4 They also surrendered 150 rounds of ammunition, 20 kg of explosives, IEDs, gelatin sticks, and Maoist literature.

Profile of Surrendered Cadres

0.5 Most of the surrendered Maoists were from Chhattisgarh and carried a combined bounty of around ₹2 crore.
0.6 The surrender followed the State government’s announcement of a revised Maoist surrender and rehabilitation policy.

Security Assessment and Future Outlook

0.7 Odisha Police stated that 60–70 Maoists are still hiding in forest areas, mainly in limited pockets.
0.8 Concerns remain about the influx of Maoists from Chhattisgarh through the Gariaband–Nuapada forest corridor.

Rehabilitation and Policy Direction

0.9 The DGP stated that the government aims to make Odisha free of Maoist insurgency by March 2026.
0.10 Surrendered cadres will receive financial grants and rehabilitation support under the revised policy.