New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Maharashtra government’s initiatives aimed at promoting development in areas troubled by Maoist activities.
In a recent post on social media platform X, he stated, “I commend the Maharashtra Government for its all-round development efforts in remote and Maoist-affected regions. This will undoubtedly enhance the ‘Ease of Living’ and set the stage for further progress. A heartfelt congratulations to the people of Gadchiroli and nearby areas!”
This statement followed the surrender of 11 Maoists, including a senior leader, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who spent New Year’s Day in Gadchiroli district. Among those who surrendered were eight women and three men, including two couples, with rewards totaling over ₹1 crore from Maharashtra and additional bounties from Chhattisgarh.
Included in this group was Tarakka, the head of the Dandakaranya Zonal Committee and the spouse of a well-known Maoist leader, who has been part of the Naxalite movement for 34 years. The surrendered Maoists encompassed three division committee members, a deputy commander, and two area committee members, receiving financial assistance of ₹86 lakh for their rehabilitation.
Over the past year, Maharashtra reported 24 Maoists killed and 18 arrested, with 27 hardcore Maoists reintegrating into society in the last six months. CM Fadnavis noted that the northern section of Gadchiroli has been liberated from Maoism and efforts are ongoing to eliminate it from the southern area as well.
According to Fadnavis, “In the past four years, no youth has joined the Maoist movement. Eleven villages have banned Naxalite presence, and the C-60 commandos have gained the community’s trust,” emphasizing that residents now prefer the justice offered by the Indian Constitution over Maoist ideology.
The Chief Minister announced that Gadchiroli is on the path to becoming a “Steel City” with support from PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, assuring that surrendered Maoists would be rehabilitated. During his visit, he launched several development projects, including a new bus service, a green mining initiative, and multiple projects by Lloyds Metals, promising significant job opportunities across these ventures.
Fadnavis also inaugurated the Lloyds Kali Ammal Hospital and Lloyds Raj Vidyaniketan CBSE School, aiming to educate 1,200 students, as well as residences for police personnel and facilities for community development. He engaged with villagers and security forces in Pengunda, a particularly remote region, reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering development in these areas.