Malkangiri declared Maoist-free: Key commander surrenders, security landscape transforms

Malkangiri district in south Odisha has been declared Maoist-free following the surrender of a top area committee member. This historic turnaround follows sustained security operations and development initiatives reaching remote areas. The surrender of Sukhram Markam, an ACM-rank commander, signifies a significant weakening of the Maoist movement, with police attributing it to increased pressure and rehabilitation policies.