Is Madhya Pradesh Finally Free of Maoists?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh is declared Naxal-free after the surrender of the last two Maoists.
- A total of 42 Maoists surrendered in just 42 days.
- The government plans to start a rehabilitation program for former Maoists.
- Yadav attributed success to leadership from Prime Minister Modi.
- Increased police presence and operations are planned to maintain peace.
Bhopal, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, declared on Thursday that the state is now devoid of any Naxal presence following the surrender of the last two Maoists, named Deepak and Rohit, to security forces in Balaghat district.
In a virtual address, Yadav stated that in the last 42 days, a total of 42 Maoists have surrendered in the regions of Balaghat, Dindori, and Mandla.
“With the last two surrendering today, we can confidently say that Madhya Pradesh is now Naxal-free,” he announced.
The Chief Minister pointed out that there were seven Naxal attacks in the past two years, resulting in the deaths of 10 notorious Naxalites, who had a combined bounty of Rs 71 lakh.
Yadav revealed that a comprehensive Naxal eradication initiative will commence in Balaghat from January, which includes a 15-year rehabilitation program for those rejoining society, while stringent action will be taken against others.
He attributed the success of this anti-Naxal operation to the BJP government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that the completion timeline had been advanced from March 2026 to January 2026.
Yadav honored police and paramilitary personnel who lost their lives in confrontations since the rise of Naxal activities in the state during the early 1990s, acknowledging that 38 members of the Hawk Force had perished since 1989.
He disclosed that over 8,500 undercover agents and senior police officials, including those of Director General rank, were deployed in the affected regions.
“Naxalism has been a significant barrier to Madhya Pradesh’s growth for decades. We are optimistic that no further Naxal activities will occur, allowing the state’s growth rate to thrive,” Yadav expressed.