Twenty one armed Maoists from Keshkal region in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar surrendered on Sunday, in a development which, police said, marks “a decisive step towards ending over four decades of extremism in the region”.

The surrendered Maoists included four divisional committee members, nine area committee members and eight party members. Thirteen of the surrendered Maoists are women.

Inspector General (IG) of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P said, “Following the returning of 210 Maoist cadres to the mainstream, including senior Maoist leadership, on October 17, large parts of the Kuemari, and Kiskodo areas — in Keshkal/North Bastar Division area, once considered Maoist strongholds — are now witnessing restoration of peace and normalcy.” The IG urged the remaining Maoist cadres to return to

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