Phulbani, Mar 11: The Maoist movement is gradually weakening as more cadres continue to surrender before security forces. In the latest development, 10 Maoists surrendered at the Phulbani Police Reserve Ground in Kandhamal district, Odisha. Among them are seven women and three men.

The surrender comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations across the country after the Central Government announced its plan to make India free of Maoist insurgency by March 31. Joint operations by state police and central security forces have been ongoing in several Maoist-affected regions.

As a result, many areas in Odisha, including Malkangiri and Koraput, are gradually moving towards becoming Maoist-free, with security forces gaining greater control over previously affected zones.

The surrender took place on Wednesday in the presence of senior police officials, including ADGP Sanjeeb Panda, IGP Neeti Sekhar, IGP Deepak Kumar and Kandhamal SP Harish Bishi.

Among those who surrendered are State Committee member Anupa, Division Committee member Sunil, and Area Committee members Sunita and Shilpa Pati, along with Jamuna, Ganesh Kunj, Sushila Dudi, Sarita Kum Dam and Chudi Yogi alias Rajani. Authorities said the surrender reflects the success of ongoing operations and rehabilitation efforts aimed at bringing Maoist cadres back into the mainstream.