Bastar Region Declared 96% Maoist-Free Following Major Surrender of Top Commander
In a significant development for Chhattisgarh's security landscape, the state government has announced that the Bastar region is now 96 percent free from Maoist influence. This declaration follows the formal surrender of Paparao, the last remaining top Maoist commander in Bastar, along with 17 other cadres under a state rehabilitation initiative.
High-Profile Surrender Marks Psychological Shift
The surrender ceremony took place in Jagdalpur, where Paparao—a Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) commander carrying a Rs 25 lakh bounty—laid down arms alongside his associates. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma stated, "Today, Bastar and the entire Chhattisgarh are out of the clutches of red terror. Bastar is ready to move ahead swiftly on the path of development."
Police records indicate Paparao faced 48 cases in Bijapur alone, with 41 permanent warrants pending, plus additional cases in Sukma and Dantewada. He was allegedly involved in several major incidents:
- The 2010 Tadmetla ambush that killed 76 security personnel
- The 2012 abduction of the Sukma collector
- Multiple attacks on security forces over the years
Transformation of Security Infrastructure
With the reduced Maoist presence, the government now plans to transform nearly 400 security camps—previously the pivot of anti-Naxal operations—into public infrastructure facilities. These camps will be converted into:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare centers
- Collection centers for minor forest produce
This shift represents a strategic move from military operations to developmental initiatives as Chhattisgarh pushes toward its March 31 deadline to end Left-Wing Extremism.
Remaining Challenges and Broader Impact
According to Sharma, only 30 to 40 Maoist cadres remain in remote pockets of north and south Bastar, who are also expected to surrender soon. However, he cautioned that vigilance must continue, noting that some senior Maoist leaders including Ganapathy and Misir Besra remain untraced, with Besra's last known location between Jharkhand and Odisha.
The Bastar range IGP P Sundarraj reported that the 18 surrendering cadres—including seven women—carried a collective reward of Rs 87 lakh. Security forces recovered:
- 18 weapons including AK-47 rifles, SLRs, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, a 9mm pistol and a BGL launcher
- Rs 12 lakh in cash
Since January 2024, a total of 2,756 Maoists have surrendered across Bastar division's seven districts, according to police data. With Paparao's surrender, Sodhi Kesha from Sukma—also carrying a Rs 25 lakh reward—is now considered the last major battalion-level Maoist figure, though he is believed to be constantly shifting base with possible movement toward Telangana.
Political Recognition and Credit Distribution
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed Paparao's surrender a significant step toward eliminating Naxalism, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Deputy CM Sharma credited multiple stakeholders for restoring peace:
- Security forces and central agencies
- Local representatives and tribal leaders
- Media organizations
- Technical support from ISRO, NTRO, ITBP and NSG
Sharma confirmed that districts including Kabirdham, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Rajnandgaon, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Dhamtari, Gariyaband, Mahasamund, and all seven Bastar districts are now free from Maoist influence.
The surrender of senior Maoist strategist Paparao—once among the most elusive and influential figures in Bastar's insurgency—represents a decisive shift both operationally and psychologically as Chhattisgarh transitions from conflict to development in the region.
