Security forces demolish Maoists' memorial in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, Oct 27
In a decisive blow to Maoist influence, security forces demolished a 20-foot-tall memorial erected by Maoists in the dense forests of Pillur village, under Farsegarh police station in Bijapur district.
The structure, built to honour fallen Maoist comrades, stood as a potent symbol of their dominance in the region.
The operation, executed on Monday, involved a coordinated effort by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), the 214th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the 206th Battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), officials said.
Conducted under the Chhattisgarh government's "Niyad Nella Naar" initiative, the mission aimed to bolster security and foster development in Maoist strongholds. In a simultaneous move, authorities established two new security and public utility camps in Pillur and Kandlaparthi-2 villages.
These camps are designed to enhance law enforcement presence and provide essential services to local communities, bridging the gap between residents and governance.
Police officials described the demolition as a critical step in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign within the National Park area.
"This action strikes at the psychological core of Naxalite propaganda," a senior officer stated.
"By removing their symbols of power, we aim to weaken their morale while strengthening the trust of villagers in state forces."
The memorial's destruction is expected to disrupt Maoist recruitment and operations, which have long exploited remote terrains to maintain control.
The "Niyad Nella Naar" scheme, meaning "New Dawn, New Narrative," emphasises not only counter-insurgency but also infrastructure development, healthcare, and education to win local support.
Local villagers, long caught between Maoist threats and state absence, expressed cautious optimism. The operation marks a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh's fight against Left-wing extremism, with security forces intensifying efforts to reclaim Maoist-dominated zones.
Authorities vow to sustain momentum, ensuring development follows security.
On Sunday, as many as 21 Maoists surrendered before security forces in Kanker with arms and ammunition. The state and central government had already made a call for all Maoists to surrender or face the wrath of security forces.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made an oft-repeated plea to Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream of society, and participate in development activities. He has asserted that forces will wipe out Naxalism by March 2026.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I support anti-Naxal operations, I hope the government follows through with the development promises. Villagers need schools, hospitals and jobs, not just security camps. The "New Dawn" initiative must deliver real change.
Good move by security forces! These memorials were psychological weapons used to intimidate locals. Removing them breaks the Maoists' hold on people's minds. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The surrender of 21 Maoists is encouraging. Hope more follow and choose peace. Development and dialogue are better than decades of conflict. Let's give these youth a second chance.
Our brave security forces risking their lives in dense forests to protect our nation. Salute to DRG, CRPF and CoBRA personnel! 🫡 The March 2026 deadline seems ambitious but achievable with such coordinated efforts.
While I understand the security concerns, I hope the human rights of local tribals are protected during these operations. Sometimes innocent villagers get caught in the crossfire between Maoists and security forces.
The establishment of utility camps is a smart strategy. When people get access to basic services from the government, they're less likely to support extremists. Hope this brings real development to these neglected areas.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.