Bhubaneswar, March 11 -- In a significant development in Odisha's ongoing anti-Maoist operations, 10 Maoists on Wednesday surrendered before the police at the Phulbani Reserve Police Ground in Kandhamal district. The surrender ceremony took place in the presence of ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda and other senior police officials.

According to police sources, the surrendered group includes one Special Zonal Committee Member, one Divisional Committee Member, and two Area Committee Members, indicating that several mid-level leaders of the banned Maoist organisation have decided to abandon the armed movement and join the mainstream.

Officials said the surrender reflects the growing pressure from intensified security operations an...