Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s Strategy Against Naxalism Receives Praise

Raipur, 07 October 2024: A significant meeting focused on ongoing anti-Naxal operations in affected states convened today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the meeting included the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, along with the Chief Ministers of other Naxal-affected states.

The meeting’s primary agenda was to review the recent successful anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, during which 31 Naxals were neutralized by state police. The meeting highlighted the effective strategies employed by the Chhattisgarh Police and the impact of the state government’s policies on these operations. Key attendees included Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai, and Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the efforts of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and his team, noting that since January, security forces in Chhattisgarh have neutralized nearly 194 Naxals in various encounters. In addition, 801 Naxals have been apprehended, and 742 have surrendered. He urged young individuals involved in Naxalism to renounce violence and reintegrate into mainstream society. “All states have established effective rehabilitation programs for you; make use of these initiatives,” he encouraged.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai provided a comprehensive overview of the Naxal operation, explaining how the state police and intelligence agencies carried out the mission after extensive planning. Approximately 1,000 personnel participated in the operation, which targeted the Gawadi hill area, covering a radius of 15 kilometers, resulting in the neutralization of 31 Naxals. Notably, several high-ranking Naxal leaders were eliminated, 16 of whom had a combined bounty of Rs 1.30 crore. Among those neutralized were 18 males and 13 females.

In his presentation, the Chief Minister emphasized the role of precise intelligence inputs in the operation’s success. He also discussed ongoing development initiatives in Naxal-affected regions, stating, “We are accelerating the pace of development projects in these areas and consistently extending basic amenities to villages, with particular attention to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.” Shri Sai highlighted the crucial support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which has significantly weakened the Maoists’ influence. “We have established 32 new security camps in areas previously deemed their ‘capital.’ One such camp is located in Hidma village, the residence of their Battalion Commander, where we have also provided healthcare facilities for his mother,” he noted.

Future Plans and Strategic Goals
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai also outlined the state’s future strategies, emphasizing the government’s primary objective of dismantling the remaining Naxal strongholds and establishing sustained peace and development in these areas. Plans include setting up 29 new security camps in South Bastar to eradicate Naxal influence.

Union Home Minister Affirms Complete Support
While applauding the successful operations in Chhattisgarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah encouraged Chief Ministers of other states to adopt Chhattisgarh’s model of intelligence, technology, and inter-agency coordination in their own initiatives. He assured that the Central Government is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to Chhattisgarh and other Naxal-affected states, expediting developmental efforts in these regions.