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Ex-DGP Hails BJP's Naxal Fight: Bastar to Bloom Again by 2025

Former Chhattisgarh DGP DM Awasthi praised the BJP government's initiatives and the deadline set by top leadership for motivating security forces and pushing Naxalism towards extinction. He reminisced about Bastar's peaceful past in the late 1980s, contrasting it with the destruction caused by Naxal violence in subsequent decades. Awasthi expressed hope that the region would return to its former beauty and normalcy within the next couple of years. He also highlighted the significant change in the security situation over the past decade, crediting strengthened forces for ending the atmosphere of terror, though noting the ideological fight for justice will continue constitutionally.

Key Points: Former Chhattisgarh DGP Lauds BJP's Success Against Naxalism

  • Deadline motivated security forces
  • Naxalism on verge of extinction
  • Bastar inching towards normalcy
  • Security forces strengthened in last decade
  • Ideological fight to continue peacefully
3 min read

"Naxal-affected areas are inching towards normalcy": Former Chhatisgarh DGP lauds BJP's efforts to end Naxalism

Former DGP DM Awasthi credits PM Modi & Amit Shah's deadline for bringing Naxal-affected areas like Bastar closer to normalcy and peace.

"Bastar will once again bloom with flowers and light. - DM Awasthi"

Raipur, March 30

Former Chhattisgarh Deputy General Police DM Awasthi on Sunday lauded the initiatives by the BJP government to end Naxalism, stating that it brought several affected areas closer to normalcy.

Speaking with ANI on the deadline of March 31st set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to end Naxalism, Awasthi said that it showcases the "strong will" of the government and motivates the security forces.

"The deadline motivated and provided a goal to the forces and showcased the strong will of the Home Minister. Its consequence has been that we are seeing Naxalism on the verge of extinction today...and that Bastar and other Naxal-affected areas are inching towards normalcy...," he said.

Reminiscing on the culture, life and environment of Bastar in the 1900s, the former DGP expressed hopes for the initiative by the government to transform the Naxal-affected region to "once again bloom with flowers and light."

"I saw Bastar in February 1989. It was beautiful then... People lived peacefully in Bijapur and Dantewada. Markets were set up, and state transport buses ran from Gollapalli to Jagdalpur. I've travelled in it myself. There were roads, and Bastar was a beautiful valley. They ruined it all, the roads, demolished schools, and damaged hospitals... I hope that the Bastar of the 1990s, when we used to roam in Kuonta along the banks of the Sabri River, will return. Jhiram Ghati was such a beautiful valley of flowers, I saw it with my own eyes. I hope that after March 31st, in the next one or two years, Bastar will once again bloom with flowers and light," he stated.

Furthermore, he reflected on the time before the BJP government came to power, describing it as the time when the fear of Naxalism reaching the capital city loomed. He said that the security forces have been strengthened in the past decade, attributing it to the gradual decline of Naxalism in the state.

"There came a time when it seemed the security forces would never be able to defeat Naxalism in the country. That was when the MCC and CPI joined forces to form the CPI-Maoist... There was a time when people started saying that Naxalites had reached Raipur... But in these 10 years, things have completely changed... The sacrifices made and the losses suffered by security forces are difficult to compensate for. The only thing is that their sacrifices have borne fruit, and now Naxalism and terrorism are ending," Awasthi said.

"... The atmosphere of terror created by the Naxalites, with ID bombings, blasts, and ambushes, is coming to an end... But the ideology remains. The ideology was to ensure justice for the oppressed. The fight for justice will continue, but in a peaceful manner within the Indian Constitution. The gun-toting path was a grave threat, and it is now coming to an end," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While improved security is crucial, we must be careful not to declare victory too soon. The former DGP himself mentions the ideology remains. Lasting peace will only come when the root causes - poverty, lack of opportunity, and alienation - are addressed. The government's next test is inclusive development.
V
Vikram M
As someone who has family in Chhattisgarh, I can say the situation has improved noticeably in the last 5-7 years. You hear about fewer attacks on security convoys. Credit should go to the brave jawans and officers on the ground. Setting a deadline shows political will, which was missing before.
P
Priya S
His description of Bastar in the 80s and 90s is heartbreaking. They destroyed schools and hospitals! What kind of "justice for the oppressed" is that? The real heroes are the teachers and doctors who stayed behind. I truly hope the beautiful valley of flowers can be restored for the next generation.
R
Rohit P
Good to hear a positive assessment from a former officer. But let's not forget, this is a complex issue with a long history. Many governments have worked on it. The focus should remain on winning the trust of the local tribal communities and ensuring they are partners in the region's progress.
K
Karthik V
The sacrifices of our security personnel can never be forgotten. If their efforts have brought normalcy, it's the greatest tribute to them. Now, the administration must ensure that economic activities reach these areas. Young people need jobs, not guns. Jai Hind.

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