India, Jan. 9 -- In one of the largest single-day surrenders in recent months, 63 Naxalites, including 36 carrying a combined reward of more than Rs.1.19 crore, laid down arms before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Friday, officials said.

The cadres, including 18 women, laid down arms before senior police officials and personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force under the 'Poona Margem' initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration of former insurgents. Dantewada superintendent of police Gaurav Rai said those who surrendered expressed disillusionment with Maoist ideology and said they were motivated by the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy.

According to officials, the...