India, Feb. 18 -- As many as 22 Maoists surrendered before police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, officials said on Wednesday.

The surrender took place at the office of the superintendent of police (SP) in Sukma in presence of senior officers, including superintendent of police (SP) Kiran Chavan and other district and battalion officials.

According to police, the cadres were influenced by the state government's rehabilitation policy and sustained anti-Maoist operations in the region.

Officials said the "Puna Marge" initiative, aimed at bringing extremists back into the mainstream, played a significant role in persuading them to lay down arms.

Police said intensified operations, the establishment of new security camps, improved road ...