Special Feature: Bastar Illuminated by the Light of Development

Chhattisgarh Moves Towards a Naxal-Free, Prosperous Future

Chhattisgarh—renowned for its rich cultural heritage, dense forests, and vibrant tribal communities—has long grappled with the scourge of Naxalism. However, change is underway. The state government has launched its final offensive to root out extremism and usher in an era of peace and progress in the Bastar region.

The Bastar division, known for its unique dialects like Halbi, Gondi, Bhatri, and Dolri, has long been deprived of peace due to extremist activities. But now, the rhythmic beats of traditional drums like dhol and mandar are once again echoing through the hills. The Chhattisgarh government has vowed to make Bastar Naxal-free by March 2026, implementing a dual-pronged strategy that couples counter-insurgency operations with socio-economic development.

Events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum have seen overwhelming public participation, reflecting the return of peace and community spirit. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai firmly declared, “Our decisive battle against red terror continues with full force. The Naxals are on the back foot, and we will not rest until this menace is eradicated.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit on June 22, 2025, assured the continuation of counter-Naxal operations even during the monsoon. The security forces remain active, leaving no room for Naxals to regroup.

The campaign has yielded significant results. On May 21, 2025, a major breakthrough came with the elimination of top Maoist leader Basavaraju and 25 others in the Abujhmad forests. With a ₹3.25 crore bounty on his head, Basavaraju’s death marked the first time in three decades that a General Secretary-level Maoist was neutralized. Another top commander, Laxmi Narasimha Chalam alias Sudhakar, carrying a ₹1 crore reward, was killed on June 5, 2025.

Development is now the new weapon against extremism. The “Niyad Nella Naar” (Your Good Village) initiative has become a game changer. Around newly established security camps, villages within a 5 km radius are receiving access to 59 beneficiary schemes from 17 departments and 28 community services, including housing, healthcare, electricity, roads, and education.

CM Sai’s government is also providing interest-free loans to students in Maoist-affected districts for vocational and technical education—an investment in the region’s long-term peace and prosperity.

In the past 18 months alone, security forces have killed 438 Naxals, arrested 1,515, and secured the surrender of 1,476 extremists. These camps not only strengthen security but ensure that government schemes reach even the remotest tribal villages.

A prime example is Puwarti village in Sukma district, once a Naxal stronghold and home to wanted extremist Hidma. For years, this village remained cut off from government services. Today, thanks to a new security camp, basic amenities like roads, electricity, and health services are rapidly reaching residents.

For decades, Naxals hindered development in Bastar—using guns and fear to control innocent tribals, snatching away their schools, their childhoods, and luring them into violence. Women were widowed, daughters abducted, and communities torn apart. Bastar, despite its natural wealth, became synonymous with backwardness.

Now, with strong political will under CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is determined to break the chains of Naxalism and write a new chapter of growth, dignity, and peace for Bastar. The region stands on the brink of a new dawn, with hope replacing fear, and prosperity replacing terror.