"Pace of development work increased in Naxal-affected areas": Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo

Following the meeting, CM Sai stated that state police and intelligence agencies had conducted a meticulously planned operation involving around 1,000 soldiers. These forces surrounded the Gawadi mountain, covering a 15-kilometre radius, and neutralised 31 Naxals. Among the killed were 16 leaders with a combined bounty of Rs1.3 crore. The operation resulted in the deaths of 18 male and 13 female Naxals.

Addressing the ongoing development work in the state, CM Sai remarked, "The pace of development has accelerated in Naxal-affected areas. We are continuously providing essential services to villages, with a focus on education, healthcare, and women's empowerment."

He also highlighted that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, 32 new security camps have been established in hardcore Naxal areas, including a camp in Hidma village, the base of a key Naxal commander. "We even provided healthcare to Hidma's mother," he added.

Looking ahead, CM Sai emphasised the state government's goal of eliminating remaining Naxal strongholds and ensuring lasting peace and development. The government plans to establish 29 additional security camps in South Bastar to reduce Naxalite influence.

The meeting, chaired by Amit Shah, was attended by the Chief Ministers of eight Naxal-affected states. Discussions focused on the success of the Chhattisgarh Police's anti-Naxal operation, which neutralised 31 insurgents, and the state's strategic approach. Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma were also present.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and his team for their efforts in curbing Naxalism and noted that, since January, security forces in the state had killed 194 Naxals, arrested 801, and seen 742 surrender. Shah appealed to Naxal-affiliated youth to abandon violence and join the mainstream, assuring that states have rehabilitation programmes in place for them.

Shah further encouraged the Chief Ministers of other states to adopt Chhattisgarh's intelligence and coordination strategies for their own anti-Naxal efforts. He reiterated the Central Government's commitment to supporting Naxal-affected states, including Chhattisgarh, in both security and development initiatives. (ANI)