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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated,...

Gadchiroli SP declares Maoist menace ‘almost over’

Mumbai: In a resounding statement signalling a historic shift, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has declared the district, once the dark heart of the ‘Red Corridor,’ is on the verge of becoming completely free of the Naxal menace. The SP expressed absolute confidence in the complete eradication of the banned CPI (Maoist) presence, noting that the remaining cadres have dwindled to a mere handful. “There has been a sea change in the situation,” SP Neelotpal stated, highlighting the dramatic turnaround. He revealed that from approximately 100 Maoist cadres on record in January 2024, the number has plummeted to barely 10 individuals whose movements are now confined to a very small pocket of the Bhamragad sub-division in South Gadchiroli, near the Chhattisgarh border. “North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoism. The Maoists have to surrender and join the mainstream or face police action... there is no other option.” The SP attributes this success to a meticulously executed multi-pronged strategy encompassing intensified anti-Maoist operations, a robust Civic Action Programme, and the effective utilisation of Maharashtra’s attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy. The Gadchiroli Police, especially the elite C-60 commandos, have achieved significant operational milestones. In the last three years alone, they have neutralised 43 hardcore Maoists and achieved a 100 per cent success rate in operations without police casualties for nearly five years. SP Neelotpal highlighted that the security forces have aggressively moved to close the “security vacuum,” which was once an estimated 3,000 square kilometres of unpoliced territory used by Maoists for training and transit. The establishment of eight new police camps/Forward Operating Bases (FoBs) since January 2023, including in the remote Abujhmad foothills, has been crucial in securing these areas permanently. Winning Hearts, Minds The Civic Action Programme has been deemed a “game changer” by the SP. Through schemes like ‘Police Dadalora Khidaki’ and ‘Project Udaan’, the police have transformed remote outposts into service delivery centres, providing essential government services and employment opportunities. This sustained outreach has successfully countered Maoist propaganda and, most critically, resulted in zero Maoist recruitment from Gadchiroli for the last few years. Surrender Wave The state’s progressive rehabilitation policy has seen a massive influx of surrenders. “One sentiment is common among all the surrendered cadres: that the movement has ended, it has lost public support, and without public support, no movement can sustain,” the SP noted. The surrender of key figures, notably that of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias ‘Bhupathi,’ a CPI (Maoist) Politburo member, and his wife Sangeeta, was a “landmark development” that triggered a surrender wave. Since June 2024, over 126 Maoists have surrendered. The rehabilitation program offers land, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and employment. Surrendered cadres are receiving skill training and are successfully transitioning into normal life, with around 70 already employed in the local Lloyds plant. A District Reborn The transformation of Gadchiroli is now moving beyond security concerns. With the decline of extremism, the district is rapidly moving towards development and normalcy. The implementation of development schemes, round-the-clock electricity, water supply, mobile towers, and new infrastructure like roads and bridges is being given top priority. He concludes that the police’s focus is now shifting from an anti-Maoist offensive to routine law-and-order policing, addressing new challenges like industrialisation, theft, and traffic management. With the Maoist movement in “complete disarray” and major strongholds like the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zone collapsing, the SP is highly optimistic. Gadchiroli is not just getting rid of the Naxal menace; it is embracing its future as a developing, peaceful district, well on track to meet the central government’s goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Pahalgam attack aftermath: Kashmiri students threatened, businesses hit as tensions rise

Updated: Apr 28


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Srinagar: After the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 tourists, Kashmiri students across India have been facing threats, harassment, and violence.


Several incidents have been reported in different states where students were attacked, forced out of hostels, called terrorists, and warned to leave immediately or face consequences.


At Arni University in Himachal Pradesh, hostel doors were broken by outsiders who abused Kashmiri students. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, a Hindu Raksha Dal video went viral, warning Kashmiris to leave or be killed, forcing many students to pack up and flee.


In Derabassi, Punjab, attackers entered a hostel after midnight, tore students’ clothes, and injured a student with a sharp weapon. In Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, some landlords asked Kashmiri tenants to vacate their homes. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has called these attacks a targeted hate campaign.


Its convenor, Nasir Khuehami, said this is a planned move to harass Kashmiris and is not just a reaction to the terror attack. He appealed to state governments and national leaders to act quickly and ensure the safety of Kashmiri students. Students have been advised to stay indoors, avoid political arguments, and not post anything sensitive on social media. Police in Dehradun have increased patrolling and removed over two dozen social media posts that promoted violence.


The situation between India and Pakistan has also worsened after the attack. India has accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorists behind the attack and suspended several agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty. Visa services have been cancelled, diplomatic ties have been downgraded, and cross-border trade has been stopped. Pakistan has also retaliated by closing its airspace, halting trade with India, and cutting diplomatic contacts. Both countries are in a tense standoff, and peace talks have completely broken down.


The tension is badly hitting Kashmiri businesses, especially in tourism and trade. Tour bookings to Kashmir are being cancelled, handicraft orders have been put on hold, and many goods are stuck due to the shutdown of trade routes. According to local businessmen, they are suffering huge losses and fear that the situation could get worse in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, security forces have launched large-scale operations against terrorists in Kashmir.


Army and police units have stepped up search operations across southern districts like Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama. The army has increased its presence in sensitive areas to prevent further attacks. Officials say they are working to dismantle the network behind the Pahalgam attack and prevent any future strikes.


Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti have condemned both the terror attack and the violence against Kashmiri students. They have urged the government of India to ensure that innocent Kashmiris are not punished for the acts of a few. Political leaders and student groups are also appealing to citizens to maintain peace and not fall for hate propaganda being spread online. The situation remains tense but under close watch. Both sides, however, remain on high alert.

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