Security Forces Intensify Urban Naxal Operations
Maharashtra security forces have significantly increased their focus on urban Naxal activities as part of their strategy to completely eliminate Maoist presence within state borders by March 2026. This announcement came from Inspector General Sandip Patil, who heads Anti-Naxal Operations, during his address at the Zero Mile Lit Fest in Nagpur on Saturday.
Maoist Leadership Structure Severely Damaged
The surrender of top commander Bhupathi combined with the encounter of Hidma has effectively shattered the leadership framework of the Maoist movement, revealed Patil. He emphasized that only four central committee members remain active now, indicating substantial progress in dismantling the extremist organization's command structure.
Patil provided crucial insights into Maoist recruitment strategies, noting that many individuals were forcibly drawn into the movement. The Telugu leadership established radical student fronts within educational institutions to expand their influence, he explained, highlighting the systematic approach used to recruit young minds.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Model Shows Success
Maharashtra has developed an effective rehabilitation program for surrendered Maoists that began in 2015 with the establishment of the first dedicated colony. Rehabilitation succeeds only when the government maintains a positive attitude and complete transparency, Patil stated, outlining the philosophy behind their approach.
The comprehensive rehabilitation package includes land allocation, employment opportunities, and two years of protective stay at police headquarters since surrendered cadres become prime targets for their former organizations. Industries operating in Gadchiroli have been actively encouraged to employ rehabilitated individuals, creating sustainable livelihood options.
Legal Framework and Safeguards Against Misuse
Patil addressed the Maharashtra Jan Suraksha Bill introduced last year, clarifying that it specifically targets organizations supporting Left Wing Extremism in any form. While the People's Liberation Guerilla Army is widely recognized, its United Front operates more subtly, attempting to replicate the Chinese Maoist model in Indian urban centers.
Maharashtra stands among LWE-affected states implementing such legislation, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana collectively filing over 10,000 charges under their respective acts. The IG emphasized strong safeguards against potential misuse, noting that bans require approval from an advisory committee headed by a High Court judge, and only officers of IG rank or higher can sanction charges.
Building trust remains crucial for encouraging surrenders, as Maoists fear encounters when considering surrender. Most surrenders occur through intermediaries including relatives, NGOs, or journalists who act as confidence-builders between security forces and potential surrenderees.
Literary Festival Features Diverse Sessions
The Nagpur Book Festival also featured filmmaker Digpal Lanjekar, creator of the acclaimed Shivraj Ashtak series, who shared his challenging journey in creating the eight-film historical saga about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Five films have already been released, with Lanjekar revealing that the script for Farzand was written in just five hours at Raigad's Takmaktok, though finding a producer required nearly 250 narrations over 3.5 years.
Theatre director Chandrakant Kulkarni emphasized the importance of preparation during his session, reflecting on his 45-year career that includes directing 85 plays and over 10 films. Vice-chancellor Kumud Sharma rejected gender-based literature divisions, while author-entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo encouraged youth to embrace failure and overcome self-created fears.
