Is Development Accelerating in MP's Balaghat Where Bloodshed Was Once Prevalent?
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Balaghat, Feb 9 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Monday that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been completely eliminated from the state, thanks to the sacrifices and remarkable courage of our security forces, who achieved this milestone ahead of the Union government's timeline.
The Chief Minister made this declaration during a ceremonial function where he awarded out-of-turn promotions to 60 Hawk Force personnel for their outstanding valor in confrontations with Maoists, in Balaghat, formerly recognized as one of the most severely affected districts by Maoist violence in Madhya Pradesh.
"I can confidently declare that Madhya Pradesh is now free from Maoists, and there are no Maoists left in the state. The Balaghat district, once a hotspot for bloodshed, has transformed into a peaceful region," Chief Minister Yadav stated, revealing plans for an upcoming Cabinet meeting in Balaghat.
An official declaration confirming Madhya Pradesh's Maoist-free status was previously made by Chief Minister Yadav on December 11, 2025. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline for the eradication of Naxalism across the nation, including Madhya Pradesh, by March 31, 2026.
During his inaugural visit to Balaghat after its designation as a Maoist-affected area, the Chief Minister launched a short video highlighting the police's tribute program, the Ekal Kendra (single-teacher school) initiative, and the ISO certification awarded to 32 police stations.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Yadav unveiled a Martyrs' Memorial to honor the memory of the security forces and Madhya Pradesh Police personnel who laid down their lives during the fight against Maoists over the past four decades.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also granted out-of-turn promotions to the 60 Hawk Force personnel for their exceptional bravery in encounters with Maoists.
He inaugurated and laid the foundation for 27 development projects valued at Rs 100.90 crore in Balaghat district.
In addition to the promotions for police and security personnel, job letters were presented to 14 families of civilians who were martyred in Maoist-related incidents.
Chief Minister Yadav also recognized the tribal teams that excelled at the Baiga festival and the CRPF personnel for their exemplary efforts in combating Naxalism.