Malkangiri: In a major success in the battle against Left-wing extremism (LWE), a hardcore Maoist cadre, carrying a reward of Rs 21 lakh, surrendered before Malkangiri police in Odisha on Wednesday.

The surrender of Sukhram Markam alias Suresh and Yogesh marks a major setback for Maoist activities in the region and is being hailed as a success of the state’s sustained efforts to weaken extremist networks.

According to police sources, 32-year-old Markam was an area committee member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and had been actively involved in organising and executing extremist activities across Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh. He surrendered voluntarily before the Malkangiri SP Binod Patil H, along with an SLR rifle, a magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, two improvised explosive devices, codex wire, a Maoist uniform, and other articles.

His surrender is seen as part of the growing trend of Maoists giving up arms in response to intensified security operations and rehabilitation initiatives, which includes financial assistance, vocational training, and livelihood support, by the government. It also marks the final blow to Maoist cadres in Malkangiri, effectively making the district Naxal-free.

Malkangiri SP said Sukram will be provided with all benefits under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation scheme.

This came a day after a Maoist guerrilla cadre identified as ‘Prabhu’, a native of Jharkhand who had been active in subversive activities for the past two years, surrendered before Rourkela Police in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. He was wanted in at least two cases registered at Bisra police station in Rourkela, officials said.