Now the light of development is spreading in Bastar
Chhagan Lonhare
Deputy Director, Public Relations
Raipur, July 07, 2025 / Chhattisgarh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, dense forest area and diverse tribal communities, has been struggling with the challenge of Naxalism for a long time. The final battle to eliminate Naxalism is now underway here, which has been an obstacle in the development of Bastar. Bastar division has a unique identity for its art and culture, traditional dialects like Halbi, Godi, Bhatri Dolari are spoken only in Bastar division. The beats of dhol and mandar will now be heard again in the Bastar region, which has been turbulent for years. The Chhattisgarh government has resolved to make Bastar Naxal-free by March 2026. Work is being done here to eliminate terror and socio-economic development with a precise strategy. The way people participated in events like Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum is proof that peace is now being established in Bastar.
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai believes that “Our decisive fight against the Naxalites to end the red terror is going on with full force. The result is that the backbone of the Naxalites has now been broken. We will not remain silent until Naxal violence and extremism end from the state.”
Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah had come on a visit to Chhattisgarh on June 22, 2025, during which he said that the Naxalites who take rest in the rainy season will not be able to sleep peacefully this monsoon. Naxal operations will continue by the security forces.
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai has said that Naxalism is now counting its last breaths in Chhattisgarh. He said that the brave soldiers of the security forces are taking the campaign to end Naxalism towards historic success despite difficult challenges and inaccessible conditions. He said that the unique courage and sacrifice of our soldiers not only demonstrates the dedication of our soldiers, but also gives a positive message to the entire country that our country is now moving towards getting free from the shackles of Naxalism.
In Chhattisgarh, on May 21, 2025, the backbone of Naxalism was broken when 26 Naxalites were killed by the soldiers of the security forces in the forest of Abujhmad along with Maoist leader Basav Raju. A reward of Rs 3 crore was announced on this. For the first time in three decades, a Maoist of the rank of General Secretary has been neutralized. This is an extraordinary achievement and a clear indication that we have nailed the last nail in the coffin of Naxalism. Apart from this, top prize-winning Naxalite Lakshmi Narasimha Chalam alias Sudhakar was also killed in a police encounter in the National Park area on June 5, 2025, on which a reward of Rs 1 crore was announced.
The Niyad Nella Nar (Your Good Village) scheme is proving to be a game changer in the Naxal-affected areas. Under 17 departments’ 59 beneficiary-oriented schemes and 28 community facilities, basic resources like housing, hospitals, water, electricity, bridges, schools etc. are being made available to the villages and villagers within a radius of 5 kilometers around the new camps established in the Maoist-affected areas. On the initiative of the Chief Minister, students of Maoist terror-affected districts of Chhattisgarh will get interest-free loans for technical and vocational education.
In the last one and a half years, the security forces have killed 438 Naxalites with their bravery. Also, 1515 Naxalites were arrested and 1476 Naxalites were forced to surrender. Our security forces are playing an important role in the fight against Naxalism. Through these camps, our government is succeeding in ensuring the reach of the schemes of the Central and State Governments along with security to the internal villages.