Ahead of the deadline approaching to make India free of Naxalites on March 31,a top Maoist leader Papa Rao among 16 Naxals are headed to surrender in Buster.

The surrender by them is attributed to pressure of security forces. Notably,after the killing of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in November, security forces had zeroed in on Papa Rao alias Mongu, and Barsa Deva.

Neither of them holds a position in the Central Committee (CC), the highest decision-making body, of the banned militant organisation, CPI (Maoist).

Yet their deep local roots and their sway over vast stretches of South Bastar—still home to an estimated 150 armed cadres—have pushed them high on the most wanted list.

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