Three women Naxals also surrendered on Monday.

“This is human rights violation of the worst kind. Naxals, both men and women, often force their cadres for this operation so that they do not have children and remain in camps, away from normal family life. Tribals in Chhattisgarh often face such treatment by their Andhra counterparts,” Kanker SP Rahul Bhagat said.

The surrendered Naxals are East Bastar Division Committee member Sunil Kumar Matlam and his wife Jaini alias Jayanti, Partapur area committee member Ramdas, Panidobir local organisational squad deputy commander Susheela, Sitapur LOS commander Jaylal and his wife Asmani alias Sanay, and member of platoon number 25 of Raoghat area, Samo Mandvi.

The SP said this is among the most prominent surrenders in the last few years, and in terms of designation of Naxals, the biggest in the state so far. “This is the first time that a member of a divisional committee surrendered in Chhattisgarh,” Bhagat said.

The police had been working with them for over a year and the surrender followed a rapport Naxals have developed with the force. “Kanker police have registered good surrenders in the last 18 months. Six months ago a commander surrendered with an SLR. Naxals have now come to trust the police more than ever. It’s a very positive sign,” he said.

“The surrendered ultras carry a cash reward of varying amounts from Rs 5,000 to Rs 3 lakh,” Bastar range Inspector General of Police Lang Kumer said.

Sunil was active in Corer area and faces 46 cases, while Jayanti has cases of murder, robbery and arson against her.

The surrender came following dispute with leaders in Andhra Pradesh. “They face discrimination on regional lines. Also, they realised the futility of their operations,” said Bhagat.