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Bastar Nears LWE-Free Status as Maoist Cadre Strength Drops by Over 5,500

The armed Maoist cadre strength in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has sharply declined by over 5,500, bringing it closer to being declared free from Left-Wing Extremism. This reduction stems from approximately 3,000 surrenders, nearly 2,000 arrests, and 525 neutralizations by security forces in recent years. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma expressed confidence that continued efforts will soon free the entire region from Maoist violence. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attributed the change to decisive governance and a surrender policy, stating that development and trust are overcoming ideological extremism.

Key Points: Bastar Close to LWE-Free as Maoist Cadre Numbers Plummet

  • Over 5,500 reduction in armed Maoist cadre strength
  • Around 3,000 Maoists have surrendered recently
  • Security forces neutralised 525 in operations
  • Goal is Bastar free from Maoist influence by March 31
2 min read

Bastar close to LWE-free status as cadre strength drops sharply

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region sees over 5,500 fewer Maoist cadres via surrenders, arrests, and operations, nearing goal to end LWE by March 31.

"The power of development and trust is stronger than any ideological deviation. - Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai"

Raipur, March 26

The number of armed Maoist cadres in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh has declined sharply by over 5,500 in recent years, marking a major success in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma said this significant reduction has brought the region closer to its target of becoming completely free from Maoist influence by March 31 this year.

Addressing the media, Vijay Sharma said that around 3,000 Maoists have surrendered in the recent period, accounting for a substantial drop in the number of armed cadres.

In addition, security forces have arrested nearly 2,000, or slightly more, Maoist operatives over the last two years. Together, the surrenders and arrests have resulted in a reduction of about 5,000 in the strength of armed Maoist cadres.

The Home Minister added that security forces have neutralised 525 Maoists in various operations. Thus, the total number of armed cadres has declined by 5,525.

Sharma expressed confidence that with the continued efforts of both Central and state security forces, the entire Bastar region would soon be free from the grip of Maoist violence. He praised the courage and determination shown by personnel of the Central and state armed forces in achieving this progress.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also highlighted the development through a series of posts on social media platform X. He said that decisive policies of good governance have brought a new wave of change in Bastar.

More than 2,800 individuals have given up the path of violence and returned to the mainstream under the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025. According to the Chief Minister, this reflects that the power of development and trust is stronger than any ideological deviation.

Chief Minister Sai said that the influence of Maoism is gradually receding from Bastar with the spread of good governance. The region, once known for fear, violence and alienation, is now moving forward with confidence towards democracy, development and trust.

He emphasised that the strong resolve of the government, combined with active public participation, has created a firm foundation for lasting peace. The Chief Minister described the transformation as a powerful example of how trust can bring enduring change.

Bastar, long considered the epicentre of Naxal activities, is now showing signs of a more peaceful future. Security officials believe that sustained operations and rehabilitation efforts will help eliminate the Naxal problem from the region in the coming months.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
A reduction of over 5500 cadres is a massive achievement. Hats off to our security forces for their bravery and sacrifice. The focus must now shift completely to roads, schools, and hospitals to ensure this peace is permanent.
A
Arun Y
While the numbers are encouraging, we must be cautious. The real test is whether the surrendered cadres are genuinely rehabilitated and find sustainable livelihoods. The government's rehabilitation policy needs to be implemented with full transparency.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has followed this conflict, the scale of surrenders (2800+) is the most promising part. It shows people are choosing peace when given a real alternative. Hope this model can be applied elsewhere.
V
Vikram M
Finally, some good news from Bastar. For decades, this issue was ignored. The combination of security pressure and a surrender policy seems to be working. Let's hope the March 31 target is met. The youth there deserve a normal life.
K
Kiran H
The credit goes to the local police and central forces who work in extremely tough conditions. We should also acknowledge the tribal communities who finally have hope for a better future. Development is the ultimate weapon against extremism.

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