Gadchiroli, Oct 15 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the Naxal movement is on the brink of extinction in Maharashtra, attributing this to ongoing operations by security forces that resulted in the neutralization of 24 Maoists and the surrender of 19 in 2024.

This statement followed the surrender of the notorious Maoist leader, Mallojula Venugopal Rao (69), also recognized as Bhupati or Sonu, a spokesperson for the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and a member of its Central Committee, along with 60 other Naxals at the district police headquarters.

The Chief Minister presented them with a copy of the Indian Constitution.

“North Gadchiroli is now entirely Naxal-free, and South Gadchiroli will soon follow. This moment symbolizes not merely a surrender, but the conclusion of an era of terror,” he stated, praising the C-60 commandos (local anti-Naxal unit) for their bravery, asserting that “Our valiant sons and daughters of Gadchiroli have turned the tide and defeated Naxalism from within.”

CM Fadnavis called upon the remaining Maoist cadres to surrender, emphasizing that “the government is ready to embrace you with open arms and provide rehabilitation. Maharashtra is committed to achieving a Naxal-free future by 2026.

He highlighted the remarkable changes in Gadchiroli, crediting the police's relentless efforts against the Maoists and the support of local villagers. “The transformation is evident due to our police's fight against the Naxalites and the cooperation of the community,” he remarked.

He noted that the Maoists are becoming disillusioned as they recognize the movement's false promises. “Today, they hold the Constitution, not weapons. This signifies true victory, achieved through peaceful conviction,” he said.

“Even prominent leaders like Bhupati have begun to see the light. His wife had previously surrendered, and people are now stepping forward to express their allegiance to India and its Constitution, not to the Naxals,” he added.

The CM also declared the state government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure, mentioning new roads connecting Chhattisgarh, and the launch of the first state-run bus service in the area in 77 years. Plans to increase mobile towers and the potential development of an airport were also hinted at.

“Gadchiroli will not be the last district; it is becoming the first. Transitioning from a corridor of fear to a corridor of confidence, with job opportunities in steel plants and rehabilitation shares valued at Rs 1,000 crore,” stated the Chief Minister.

He further emphasized that the government is focused on empowering youth, revealing that 1,500 local youths, including victims of Naxal violence, are now serving in the police force, with no new recruits for the Maoists.

CM Fadnavis reassured that the government remains dedicated to environmental protection and forest conservation in Gadchiroli, indicating that only essential tree cutting will occur, accompanied by strict environmental regulations and oversight.