In Jharkhand, the West Singhbhum district police has declared the Saranda, Kolhan and Porahat Forest divisions completely Naxal-free. Four extremists, including wanted Maoist Saluka Kayam, carrying a bounty of 10 lakh rupees, surrendered before Singhbhum Range DIG Anuranjan Kispotta and senior police officials at the Chaibasa Police Centre.

The DIG said that over the past year, 52 Naxalites have surrendered, 18 were killed in encounters and 29 were arrested. A large quantity of arms, ammunition and IEDs was also recovered during the operations. Mr Kispotta said there are now no Naxalites on the district’s records and that the police will henceforth focus on better policing and strengthening coordination with local communities.