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For the first time in the history of the Maoist movement in Dandakaranya, the Naxal outfit has effectively become leaderless after a group of 18 cadres, including senior functionaries, surrendered to the government on Tuesday, in what has been described as a significant breakthrough in efforts to end Left Wing Extremism in the region.Among those who laid down arms are DKSZC member and South Sub Zonal Bureau in-charge Pappa Rao, along with DVCM members Prakash Madvi and Anil Tatti. Officials said the group has expressed willingness to shun violence and return to the mainstream, handing over AK-47 rifles and other graded weapons as part of the surrender process.The batch includes seven women cadres.The development has been described as a strong indication that the campaign to make Bastar Naxal-free is steadily progressing, with the dismantling of leadership structures in the Dandakaranya region seen as a critical milestone.With the outfit now fragmented and reduced to small, scattered groups, the remaining cadres may also opt for surrender and reintegration in the coming days.The formal rehabilitation process for all 18 surrendered cadres from the South Sub Zonal Bureau area will be undertaken subsequently, officials said, adding that further details will be shared in due course.The government said the development aligns with its long-standing objective of restoring peace in Bastar, with the region now poised to move forward with a renewed sense of stability and identity.