Three hardcore Maoist fighters carrying Rs one lakh cash reward on their heads and involved in a series of ambushes of security forces in Swabhiman Anchal surrendered before the Malkangiri district police and Border Security Force, a statement of the district police said on Thursday.

Those surrendered included a woman Maoist cadre, who was also carrying cash reward on her head.

The deviation in the ideological base of Maoist outfits, appeal by the government and the launch of development works in remote tribal pockets prompted the militants to shun the path of violence, the statement said.

The Left-wing extremists of an outlawed outfit who gave up arms are Manoj Madhi (24), Pandu Kabasi (27) and Aite Karttami (21), all natives of Malkangiri districts.

Recent appeals made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha and DGP, Odisha Police to active Maoists and militias have guided them in leaving the path of violence by surrendering and becoming part of the mainstream for peaceful development of these areas. In the past three years, more than 23 active Maoist cadres and hundreds of active militias and Maoist sympathizers have surrendered in Malkangiri District, the statement said.

Establishment of security camps in the surrounding areas of Swabhiman Anchala, the erstwhile hotbed of LWE operations, has also led them to the surrender since it has created a peaceful and secure environment in the area. Subsequent, increased police operations and successes in interior areas and continuous fear of police action has also led to curtailment of anti-national, anti-local, coercive actions of Maoist party, it said.

Establishment of the BSF Company Operating Bases (COBs) at Jantapai, Hantalguda, Jodambo (Darlabeda), Gurasethu, Andrahal, Mudulipada, Ghanabeda and Jantri in the Swabhiman Anchal area has virtually decimated the Maoist base there. Subsequent increased police operations and successes in interior areas have also contributed to the armed cadres to leave the path of violence and join mainstream.

The former extremists will be properly rehabilitated and will receive monetary assistance as per the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of Government of Odisha. They will also get financial assistance for building houses, pursuing studies and getting training in a trade and vocation of their will, the official statement concluded.