72 Maoists surrender in Bastar

Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Sep 8 (IANS) Giving a fillip to the ongoing drive for rehabilitation of Maoists, 72 of the Left extremists, including two women, surrendered before the district authorities in Chhattisgarh's Bastar area on Thursday, a senior police officer said.

SP-Narayanpur, Abhishek Meena, said that 70 male and two female Maoists left their outfits and have decided to get absorbed into mainstream society.

"Out of those who surrendered, 45 are of the Jan Militia and one a Party Committee President," Meena said.

Meena said a warrant was also issued by a Court against 18 Maoists who have surrendered.

Three Local Guerrilla Squad members were rewarded Rs 1 lakh each, while others were also rewarded.