Six Naxals surrender in Maharashtra

Gadchiroli, (Maharashtra), Jan 26 (ANI): In a major development in Maharashtra, six Naxals allegedly involved in the killing of 16 police personnel in Gadchiroli District in 2009, surrendered before State Home Minster R R Patil here on Monday.

Six Naxals, including two women, laid down their arms during a function organised to celebrate Republic Day.

On May 21, 2009, 16 policemen were killed when Naxals ambushed the patrolling team at Tawitola in the district.

The development is considered as a major blow to banned Naxal Groups.

The Maoists were identified as self styled platoon commander Tulasa alias Raju Juru Masavedea, Saimmaiya alias Kiran Barsagade, Anil Bajirao Wasame, Jamuna alias Shevanti Kowase, Kamla Usendi and N Rajkumar Veeru Parchaki.

Patil welcomed surrendered Naxals with flowers.

Many times in recent past, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had reiterated the Centre's stand that talks can happen with banned organizations only after they relinquish arms. (ANI)