Twenty armed cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered to Odisha Police in Malkangiri recently. Among them were a Divisional Committee Member and six Area Committee Members, including 10 women cadres. They handed over weapons like one AK-47, two INSAS rifles, and explosives. The surrender was witnessed by Odisha Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania. The Maoists included leaders like Linge alias Muye Madkam and Baman Madkam, among others. Under Odisha’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy, these 22 cadres will receive financial assistance totaling ₹1.84 crore and immediate support of ₹25,000 each. They will also get houses under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme, marriage assistance, health insurance, ration cards, and other benefits. Legal aid and security will be provided as per government rules. The police said, “The surrendered Maoists were earlier actively involved in violent activities across different parts of the State, including attacks on security personnel and destruction of roads and government property.” Director General Khurania added, “The government would provide all necessary support to enable them to live a dignified life in society. We also appeal to other Maoists to abandon the path of violence, surrender before the police, and lead a normal life.” Officials present included Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, DIG Akhileshwar Singh, and DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh. This surrender results from strong police pressure, leadership gaps, loss of local support, and the Odisha government's new rehabilitation policy.