In Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, 26 Maoists, including seven women, surrendered under the 'Poona Margem' initiative. Police claim this significantly weakens the Maoist presence, particularly Battalion 1 of the PLGA, in the region. The surrendered cadres, who carried a collective bounty of approximately Rs 64-65 lakh, cited the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy and intensified security operations as reasons for laying down arms. Some were allegedly involved in past attacks that resulted in security personnel casualties.