Raipur:
Naxalism in Bastar and Bijapur is now in its final phase and will be completely eliminated by March 2026, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma has said. He stated that the target aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
According to Sharma, the shrinking area of Naxal operations is the result of an effective strategy, successful anti-Naxal campaigns, and the state’s surrender-and-rehabilitation policy.
During his visit, Sharma held a meeting with traders, mine operators, road construction companies, tribal organisations, and bank representatives at the District Office meeting hall. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone obstructing development works.
The Deputy CM also inspected a poultry farm run by a women’s self-help group in Sosanpal, Tokapal, praising their hard work and economic self-reliance. In Gram Panchayat Parpa, he visited the Mahatari Sadan and suggested it be used for women’s group meetings and awareness programmes.
39 Bonded Labourers Rescued from Andhra Pradesh
The Bastar administration has successfully rescued 39 bonded labourers from Prakasham district in Andhra Pradesh. Acting on instructions from the Collector, a three-member team was dispatched to the site. With assistance from the local administration, the team raided the workplace on 4 August.
The rescued workers include 13 from Bastar, 8 from Dantewada, 2 from Kanker, 10 from Malkangiri, 5 from Koraput, and 1 from Nabarangpur. Authorities recovered ₹4.64 lakh in pending wages and restored the workers’ mobile phones.
The labourers had been held captive for months, unable to return home or contact their families. Before being sent back to their villages on 7 August, they were given health check-ups and essential supplies.
