Sukma, May 27 -- In a major success for the Chhattisgarh government's anti-Naxal campaign, 18 Naxals, including four members of the dreaded Battalion No. 1, surrendered before the police in Sukma district on Tuesday.

According to the officials, the surrender took place under the influence of the state government's rehabilitation initiative, Niyad Nellanar. '

The surrender came as a boost to ongoing efforts in South Bastar, a region long affected by Naxal violence. Among the 18 who surrendered, several were known to be active in four different Naxal battalions, according to the police.

While speaking to the media, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan said, "Influenced by 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme, 18 naxals have surrendered today...