In a significant victory over Maoist insurgency, 11 Naxals, including Tarakka Sidam, surrendered to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters on Wednesday. The surrender marked an important step in the state’s fight against Naxalism, coinciding with the CM’s visit to the region.
Gadchiroli: A Former Maoist Stronghold
During his visit, CM Fadnavis highlighted the strategic importance of Gadchiroli, previously dominated by Maoists:
“Our police have established their outpost by demolishing the Maoist dominance. The area is being developed—roads are being constructed to connect with Chhattisgarh, and mobile towers are being installed.”
The efforts reflect the state government’s commitment to reclaiming and developing areas affected by Naxalism.
Progress in the Fight Against Naxalism
Statistics on Naxal Operations
Fadnavis shared progress made in the past year:
- 33 Naxals killed during police operations.
- 55 Naxals arrested and 33 surrendered.
- Northern Gadchiroli has been declared “completely Naxal-free”.
The CM assured the assembly that the state government remains steadfast in its goal to eliminate left-wing extremism within the next three years.
Youth Involvement in Anti-Naxal Initiatives
The government’s approach includes empowering local youth, especially those affected by Naxalism:
- 1,500 youth from Gadchiroli have joined the police force.
- Among them, 33 are Naxal victims, symbolizing a shift towards peace and stability.
- Prominent Maoist leader Giridhar and his wife, known for recruiting cadres in South Gadchiroli, have also surrendered.
The Broader Threat of Naxalism
CM Fadnavis emphasized that the threat of Naxalism extends beyond remote regions:
- Urban Connections: Several organizations support Naxal groups by creating “safe havens” or undermining constitutional faith.
- Efforts are underway to dismantle these support networks while ensuring stricter law enforcement against extremist activities.
Development as a Tool Against Extremism
The government’s focus on infrastructure development in Gadchiroli is critical to its anti-Naxal strategy:
- Road Connectivity: Linking Gadchiroli with neighboring Chhattisgarh to enhance mobility and economic opportunities.
- Communication Networks: Installation of mobile towers to improve communication in remote areas.
The surrender of 11 Naxals in Gadchiroli signals a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s fight against Naxalism. Under CM Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership, the government is combining robust law enforcement with strategic development to eliminate the Maoist threat and bring stability to affected regions.
With a clear timeline and tangible progress, Maharashtra is steadily moving towards its goal of a Naxal-free state.
