Kumar Bahukhandi
IN SHORT
*Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon: A Collective Run for Peace, Trust and Development
*Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Flags Off the Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon in Narayanpur
*Over 10,000 Participants Take Part; Surrendered Maoists Also Join the Historic Event
Raipur: From the sacred soil of Abujhmad, a resounding message of peace, harmony and development echoed across the nation and the world today with the grand and historic event of “Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon 2026”. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the early morning event held near the High School campus in Narayanpur, flagged off the runners, and symbolically joined them for a short stretch of the run. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai also unveiled the medals to be awarded to the winning participants.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that from the land of Abujhmad, a strong and meaningful message of peace and goodwill is being conveyed to the entire country and the global community.
He noted that this is the same Abujhmad where, not long ago, it was difficult even for ordinary citizens and security personnel to reach. Today, however, due to a positive and secure environment, thousands of people have gathered here with confidence and hope. The enthusiasm and energy of the youth, he said, clearly signal that Bastar is steadily moving towards freedom from Maoism and will soon be fully infused with peace and prosperity.
Chief Minister attributed this transformation to the policies and leadership of the double-engine government. Referring to the firm resolve and strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he stated that a clear target has been set to eradicate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026. Bastar, he affirmed, will be completely liberated from red terror.
Paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of officers and personnel of the security forces engaged in the fight against Naxalism, Chief Minister Sai said that it is their dedication and valor that have laid the foundation for peace and development in the Bastar region.
Sai further informed that development works worth Rs 351 crore have recently been inaugurated and foundation stones laid in the Bastar region, along with the announcement of several new projects. He noted that for nearly four decades, Naxalism had deprived this region of development, but that era has now ended. From here onward, the development graph Bastar will show an upward trend. Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said that the entire Bastar region and Chhattisgarh will be firmly connected to the national mainstream of development.
It is noteworthy that the 21-kilometre-long half marathon was organised from Narayanpur to Baasing. It witnessed participation from over 10,000 runners from Bastar division, across Chhattisgarh, other states, and more than 60 international participants from different countries. Prior to the marathon, a Zumba warm-up session was organised at the High School campus, where thousands of participants enthusiastically joined in together, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and optimism.
Surrendered Maoists also Participated in the Marathon
One of the most remarkable and historic aspects of the event was the participation of surrendered Maoist youth, who, having laid down arms, joined the marathon to convey a powerful message of peace and reintegration into the mainstream. The active participation of the local community, including members of the Abujhmadia tribe of Narayanpur, further enhanced the impact of the event, making it deeply inspiring and meaningful.
The programme was attended by Forest and Environment Minister and MLA Kedar Kashyap, District In-charge Minister Tankram Verma, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation Roopsai Salam, Vaidyaraj Padma Hemchand Manjhi, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, Bastar Commissioner Doman Singh, IG P. Sundarraj, Collector Namrata Jain, Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria, District CEO Akanksha Shiksha Khalkho, along with public representatives, senior administrative officials, and a large number of citizens.
