India, Oct. 29 -- Around 51 Maoists, including 20 carrying a total bounty of Rs.66 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said.

Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav said that the Maoist cadres decided to return to the mainstream, saying they were influenced by the state government's rehabilitation policy and its focus on development and peace in the region.

"Their decision to shun violence marks another significant step in the government's mission to eradicate Naxalism through dialogue and inclusive growth," he said.

The surrenders took place under the 'Poona Margem, Punarwas se Punarjeevan' (Rehabilitation for Social Integration) programme, a key initiative launched by the Basta...