New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- In a landmark development in Chhattisgarh's long battle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE), 208 Naxalites laid down their arms and opted for rehabilitation on Friday, marking a major step toward restoring peace in the Dandakaranya region.

With this, officials said, most of Abujhmad has been freed from Naxal influence, bringing an end to the decades-long Red terror in North Bastar.

"Only South Bastar now remains affected," the top government officials said.

According to officials, the surrendered group includes 110 women and 98 men, representing various ranks of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organisation. Among them are one Central Committee Member (CCM), four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members, one Re...