naxal free chhattisgarh

Odisha police believe the last few Maoist fighters have left the state for Kerala. They are now seeking employment. The police have alerted their Kerala counterparts and railway authorities. Odisha was declared Naxal-free on March 31. Security forces continue operations to prevent any resurgence. The Maoist outfit has collapsed in Odisha. Efforts are underway to recover looted weapons.

Four security personnel, including an inspector, tragically lost their lives in an accidental IED blast during a de-mining operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker-Narayanpur border region. The blast occurred while the team was attempting to defuse a Maoist-planted explosive. This incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by forces in the insurgency-affected Bastar area.

India stands on the cusp of eradicating Naxalism, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring the movement effectively dismantled. Decades of development and security operations have significantly shrunk the Red Corridor, pushing the insurgency into isolated pockets. While armed rebellion may be over, securing lasting peace through governance remains crucial.

Odisha has officially declared itself free from Maoist influence, ending its surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels who missed the March 31 deadline. Only a handful of lower-rung Maoists remain in Kandhamal, posing no significant threat. The state achieved this victory after a prolonged battle, losing many security personnel and civilians.

Security forces are intensifying operations nationwide to neutralize remaining Maoist cadres by the March 31 deadline. Efforts include tracking approximately 130-150 armed Naxals and encouraging surrenders, with significant troop movements and cross-border operations underway. The Centre is also planning a post-operation development blueprint.

Odisha is witnessing a significant transformation as the state steadily reclaims ground from decades of Maoist violence. With the national goal of ending Naxalism nearing, the atmosphere of safety has returned, marked by the dismantling of rebel memorials and a drastic reduction in affected districts. This turnaround is attributed to successful operations and a revised rehabilitation policy.

Officials, however, stress that the end of Naxalism will be a gradual process rather than an absolute one, even if key operational targets have been achieved