Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 12 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that his government’s primary goal is not only to end Naxalism but also to ensure holistic development in the regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
Speaking on the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s formation, which took place on November 1, 2000, Sai emphasised that new welfare schemes and regular establishment of security camps are being implemented to guarantee both safety and progress in the Naxal-affected regions.
‘The major task is not just ending Naxalism, but also developing the areas affected by it. For this, we are launching various schemes, and security camps are opening regularly. The Union Home Minister has even expanded its area with development constantly happening there,’ said Sai.
His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for developmental and transformative projects worth over INR 14,260 crore across key sectors such as roads, industry, healthcare, and energy. During the visit, the Prime Minister said, ‘That day is not far when our Chhattisgarh and our nation will be completely free from Maoist terrorism.’
Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s industrial growth, Sai noted that Nava Raipur is fast emerging as a hub of opportunity. ‘The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Assembly building yesterday (Saturday). New Raipur is being developed at a great pace, with industries moving there under our new industrial policy. We have received investment proposals worth INR 7.5 lakh crore in the last ten months, and work has already started on the ground. We have also arranged special incentives for industrialists providing employment to over 1,000 people, and the state is benefiting from it,’ he said.
Marking the Silver Jubilee Year of the state, Sai paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created Chhattisgarh on November 1, 2000. ‘We pay homage to the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, the creator of Chhattisgarh. Since its formation, the state has been progressing rapidly towards development,’ he added.
On the Special Investment Region (SIR) issue, Sai reaffirmed his government’s support for the initiative while dismissing opposition criticism. ‘We welcome SIR. The opposition is opportunistic and they don’t hold any stance,’ he said.
Sai’s remarks followed a major development last month when over 300 Naxalites, including more than 100 women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant milestone in the state’s long battle against Left Wing Extremism. The surrender, officials said, demonstrates the growing success of the government’s Naxal Eradication and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, which combines development, dialogue, and trust-building to bring insurgents back into the mainstream.
The surrendered group included one Central Committee Member (CCM), four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members, one Regional Committee Member, 21 Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), 61 Area Committee Members (ACMs), 98 Party Members, and 22 PLGA/RPC/other cadres. They handed over 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLR rifles, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, four carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 twelve-bore or single-shot guns, and one pistol.
Among the prominent Maoists who surrendered were Rupesh alias Satish (Central Committee Member), Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi (DKSZC Member), Ranita (DKSZC Member), Raju Salam (DKSZC Member), Dhannu Vetti alias Santu (DKSZC Member), and Ratan Elam (Regional Committee Member). Ten senior Maoist operatives also surrendered, including top commander Satish alias T Vasudeo Rao (CCM), Ranita (SZCM, Secretary of Maad DVC), Bhaskar (DVCM, PL 32), Nila alias Nande (DVCM, IC and Secretary of Nelnar AC), and Deepak Palo (DVCM, IC and Secretary of Indravati AC).
Rao carried a reward of INR 1 crore, while others had bounties ranging between INR 5 lakh and INR 25 lakh. Officials described the mass surrender as one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years, calling it a decisive step toward lasting peace and inclusive development in the Dandakaranya region.
Since the formation of the new government in January 2024, a total of 2,100 Naxalites have surrendered, 1,785 have been arrested, and 477 have been eliminated. Officials said this wave of surrenders marks a major setback for the Maoist insurgency and strengthens efforts to restore stability and growth in affected regions.
As part of the Modi government’s vision of achieving a ‘Naxal-free Bharat,’ the number of districts most affected by Left Wing Extremism has been reduced from six to just three—Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur—according to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The total number of LWE-affected districts has also declined from 18 to 11.
Security forces have recorded ‘unprecedented operational successes’ this year, eliminating 312 Naxals, including the CPI (Maoist) General Secretary and eight other senior leaders. A total of 836 cadres have been arrested, while 1,639 have surrendered, including one Politburo and one Central Committee member.
Once described as India’s biggest internal security challenge, Naxalism is now in visible retreat. The Maoists’ earlier ambition of creating a so-called ‘Red Corridor’ from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh has largely been dismantled.
(ANI)