Malkangiri, Mar 23: As many as 22 Naxals surrendered to police and expressed their willingness to return to normal life and mainstream society in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur area.

CRPF DIG DS Negi welcomed all those who left the path of violence and joined the mainstream of society.

The DIG said that all the support will be provided to the 22 people who returned to the mainstream as per the government rules.

In the past week, 30 Maoists were killed in a series of encounters in Chhattisgarh. A large quantity of weapons was also recovered.

Terming it as another major achievement towards the Naxal-free India campaign, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against the Maoists who are not surrendering.

Shah reiterated that India will be Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.