Bastar inches closer to gaining ‘Maoist-free' tag
In a notification dated March 2025, the Union home ministry has reclassified Bastar district in the Bastar division of Chattissgarh as a 'district of legacy and trust' from its previous classification as a district affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
The notification, which HT has seen, came into effect on April 1.
The Bastar division comprises seven district including Bastar, Kanker, Konadagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada.
Hindustan Times reported in December that the home ministry could consider removing Baster and Konadagaon from the list of districts affected by LWE.
Konadagaon has also been re-categorised as a district of legacy and trust.
'This re-categorization, part of a broader LWE review by the Centre, places Bastar district among 28 districts across India where Maoist activity has significantly declined but where continued vigilance and sustained developmental and operational focus are still required. However, this marks a critical step toward declaring Bastar entirely free of Maoist influence,' a senior officer of Chhattisgarh police said.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), Sundarraj P, emphasized the strategic progress made in the region.
'The recent re-categorization underlines a significant shift in the LWE landscape of the Bastar Range, particularly with Bastar and Kondagaon now identified as 'districts of legacy'. This means that Maoist activities have come down to a great extent. Our focus will now be on consolidating peace through consistent anti-Naxal operations, development projects, and community engagement.'
Sundarraj also explained the home ministry's new framework which 'classifies 18 LWE-affected districts nationwide into three equal categories: Most Affected, Other Affected, and Districts of Concern, with six districts in each.'
Within the Bastar Range, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Kanker continue to be listed among the Most Affected LWE districts, while Dantewada is placed in the Other Affected category. The recent encounter in which 29 Maoists were killed happened at Kanker.
'Bastar and Kondagaon's shift to the legacy category reflects not just a decrease in violence but also an increasing presence of civil governance and infrastructure development,' Sundarraj added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
22 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Will use every method Pakistan can, cannot think of against terror, warns Rajnath Singh
Pakistan needs to understand clearly that the "dangerous game" of terrorism that it has been playing since Independence against India is over, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of. Operation Sindoor is not just a military action but India's frontal assault against terrorism, he said. "We will use every method against terrorism that Pakistan can think of, but we will not hesitate to use those methods also which Pakistan cannot even think of," he said. The defence minister said it would be in Pakistan's interest to uproot "nurseries of terrorism" operating on its soil. "Anti-India activities are being carried out openly from Pakistani soil. India is completely free to carry out any kind of operation against terrorists, both on this side and the other side of the border and sea," he said. "Today, the whole world is acknowledging India's right to protect its citizens against terrorism. Today, no power in the world can stop India from doing this work," he said. Singh also hailed Indian Navy's role during Operation Sindoor. When the Indian Air Force destroyed terror bases on Pakistani soil, the Indian Navy's aggressive deployment in Arabian Sea confined Pakistani Navy to its own shores, he said. On the overall operation, he said "our strike was so powerful that Pakistan began pleading with entire world to stop India." In just a short span of time, we demolished Pakistan's terrorist bases and its intentions, he said adding the speed, depth and clarity with which our armed forces acted were remarkable. Operation Sindoor not only sent a clear message to terrorists but also to their patrons who nurture them, he added, On our own terms, we halted our military actions, the defence minister said.
The Hindu
33 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Operation Sindoor is not just a military action but India's frontal assault against terrorism, says Rajnath
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (May 30, 2025) addressed the naval warriors of INS Vikrant. Mr. Rajnath said 'In just a short span of time, we demolished Pakistan's terrorist bases and its intentions.' 'Our strike was so powerful that Pakistan began pleading with entire world to stop India', said Mr. Rajnath on Operation Sindoor. The Defence Minister further added that 'The speed, depth and clarity with which our armed forces acted were remarkable.' Mr. Rajnath reiterated that 'Operation Sindoor not only sent a clear message to terrorists but also to their patrons who nurture them.' On the role of navy in Operation Sindoor, Mr. Rajnath said 'Indian Navy's role in this entire integrated operation has been glorious.' Mr. Rajnath further said that 'It would be in Pakistan's interest to uproot nurseries of terrorism operating on its soil with its own hands.' The Defence Minister said 'Then IAF destroyed terror bases on Pakistani soil, Indian Navy's deployment in Arabian Sea confined Pak Navy to its own shores.' He further added that 'Operation Sindoor is not just a military action but India's frontal assault against terrorism. Will use every method against terror that Pak can think of, will also not hesitate to use those which Pak can't even think of.'
News18
33 minutes ago
- News18
'Development Will Begin Once Again': Amit Shah Meets Victims Of Pakistan Shelling In J&K's Poonch
Last Updated: Amit Shah said, "The pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir will be accelerated once again." Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed that the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir would be significantly accelerated, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning to those attempting to destabilize the region. Speaking on the future trajectory of the Union Territory, Amit Shah said, 'The pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir will be accelerated once again." He emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to progress, adding, 'Development will begin once again. I want to tell people of J&K that development wouldn't stop. Place at which vikas is going on since 2014 will go on." In a clear message to elements seeking to undermine peace and security, the Home Minister asserted, 'Anyone who tries to harm us will be given a strong and decisive response." He reiterated this resolve, saying, 'Whoever wants to harm or damage us, we will give a befitting response." Amit Shah said, 'On the night of 7th May, we destroyed the terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoK. This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of the crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation…We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists." #WATCH | Poonch | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, '…Pakistan targeted civilian areas, religious places. Appointment letters have been given to the families of those affected by Pakistan's shelling during Operation Sindoor…This is a sign that the J&K government, central… — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025 In a gesture of solidarity and support, Amit Shah announced that 'appointment letters have been given to the families of those affected by Pakistan's shelling." He emphasized that this initiative signifies a deep connection, asserting, 'This is a sign that the J&K government, central government and the nation's sentiments are connected with you." First Published: May 30, 2025, 12:36 IST
