Maoist Leader Nikhil Urges Ultras to Surrender After His Own: Odisha Nears Naxal-Free Status

• Maoist leader Niranjan Rout alias Nikhil, along with his wife and 13 others, surrendered to Odisha Police, appealing to underground ultras to shun violence and join the mainstream.
• Nikhil and his wife Rashmira Lenka, both state committee members, carried rewards of Rs 55 lakh each; the group of 15 had a total reward of Rs 1.98 crore.
• The surrendered ultras expressed faith in the democratic system, admitting the futility of war against a pro-people administration.
• ADGP Sanjeeb Panda highlighted the weakening influence of left-wing extremism, attributing it to the government's development-oriented approach and sustained security operations.
• Odisha is moving towards becoming a "naxal-free" state, with an estimated 30-35 red rebels remaining underground, and several districts already declared Naxal-free.