Chhattisgarh Announces Transformation of 400 Security Camps into Public Infrastructure
RAIPUR: In a landmark declaration, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced on Wednesday that the Bastar region has largely emerged from decades of Maoist insurgency, with the state government now planning to convert nearly 400 security camps into public infrastructure facilities.
Bastar Declared Free from Maoist Influence
"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," Sharma stated emphatically. He revealed that approximately 96% of Bastar's geographical area is now free from Maoist influence, with only 30 to 40 cadres remaining in remote pockets of north and south Bastar, who are also expected to surrender soon.
The home minister detailed that districts including Kabirdham, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Rajnandgaon, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Dhamtari, Gariyaband, and Mahasamund, along with Bastar's seven districts, are now completely free from Maoist activities. He credited this achievement to the concerted efforts of security forces, central agencies, local representatives, tribal leaders, and the media in restoring peace to the region.
High-Profile Surrender of Senior Maoist Commander
The announcement coincided with the surrender of Maoist commander Paparao, a Dandakaranya special zonal committee (DKSZC) commander carrying a Rs 25 lakh bounty, along with 17 other cadres. This high-profile surrender took place in Jagdalpur under the state's rehabilitation initiative.
Paparao, once among the most elusive and influential figures in Bastar's insurgency, had 48 cases registered against him in Bijapur, with 41 permanent warrants pending, along with additional cases in Sukma (24) and Dantewada (7). He was allegedly involved in several major incidents, including the 2010 Tadmetla ambush that killed 76 security personnel, the 2012 abduction of the Sukma collector, and multiple attacks on security forces.
Psychological Break in Maoist Ranks
Officials tracking the insurgency described Paparao's surrender as a decisive shift that could trigger a ripple effect among lower-rung cadres still hiding in the forests of Sukma and Bijapur. "This could turn into a cascade. The fear of being left alone in a collapsing structure is real," an official noted.
A senior police officer explained, "For years, commanders like him were the ideological anchors. If someone at that level surrenders, it breaks the last layer of confidence among the cadres. Those still inside are already operating in isolation or simply lying low. Now, many may see no ray of hope."
Security Forces Recover Weapons and Cash
Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, P Sundarraj reported that the 18 cadres who surrendered, 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, along with 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 records.
Intelligence Gain and Leadership Vacuum
Paparao's surrender is also being viewed as a significant intelligence gain. As a senior functionary who helped build and sustain Maoist networks across south Bastar for nearly two decades, he possesses deep insights into the organization's finances, urban network, arms supply routes, and internal hierarchy.
With Paparao out, and other commanders like Hidma dead and Barse Deva no longer active, the Maoist leadership structure in Bastar has significantly thinned. Sodhi Kesha, a Rs 25 lakh reward Maoist from Sukma, is now seen as the last major battalion-level face, but he is believed to be constantly shifting base, with agencies suspecting possible movement toward Telangana.
Technical Support and Continued Vigilance
Sharma highlighted the crucial role played by technical support from agencies such as ISRO, NTRO, ITBP, and NSG in the anti-Naxal operations. However, he cautioned that vigilance must continue, noting that some senior Maoist leaders, including Ganapathy and Misir Besra, remain untraced. Besra's last known location was between Jharkhand and Odisha.
Community-Centric Development Approach
The deputy chief minister reiterated that Bastar's "jal, jungle, zameen" (water, forest, land) belong to its people, emphasizing that local communities will play a key role in protecting and developing these resources as the region moves toward peace and growth.
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. The transformation of security camps into schools, hospitals, and collection centers for minor forest produce represents a tangible shift from conflict to development in the region.
