top of page

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.

The Rebel In The Family

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Dhananjay Munde

As Agriculture Minister, Dhananjay Munde has taken several decisions for the benefit of the agriculture and the farmers in the state over the past year and now it as if he is getting ready to assume the larger role of saviour of farmers after the Assembly elections.


Born on July 15, 1975, in Parli, Beed, he is the nephew of the late Gopinath Munde, a BJP veteran. While following his uncle’s footsteps his political career began initially with the ABVP and later in the form of his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served as the President of the Youth Wing (BJYM). He was being looked at as the political heir apparent of his uncle. However, when he realised that his cousin sister Pankaja Munde was being promoted in the politics by his uncle, he parted ways and switched allegiance to the NCP, where he found his political footing and rose through the ranks.


In the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, Dhananjay won the Parli constituency, defeating Pankaja. This victory was significant as it marked a shift in the political landscape of the region, traditionally dominated by the BJP. His win was attributed to his grassroots connect and his ability to address local issues effectively.


Dhananjay’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with the masses and his commitment to addressing their concerns. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards resolving their issues. His down-to-earth image and dedication to public service have earned him a loyal following.


Despite his achievements, Dhananjay’s political career has not been without controversies. In January 2021, he faced a rape allegation, which was later withdrawn. He refuted the allegations and continued to focus on his political responsibilities. This episode demonstrated his resilience and determination to uphold his integrity.


In this election, Dhananjay is expected to play a double role as an elder brother after his reunion with Pankaja and a trusted lieutenant of NCP chief Ajit Pawar. The NCP’s poll success in Marathwada largely depends upon how Dhananjay mobilises the cadre. He knows the pulse of the people. However, the caste equation is not in his favour. Being an OBC he is likely to face a stiff opposition from the Maratha community. If he could sail through his party Dhananjay would emerge as a force to be reckon with. If he fails, he might choose to return to the BJP for a better prospectus.

Comments

bottom of page