Kumar Bahukhandi
Representational Image
Jagdalpur: The Maoist network in Bastar now appears to be shrinking and reaching its final stages. However, amidst this, a select few Maoists remain unwilling to lay down their arms and continue to pose a direct challenge to the security forces.
Following the surrender of Maoist commander Paparao in Jagdalpur and PLGA in-charge Sodhi Kesa in Telangana, the number of active Maoists in Bastar has declined rapidly. Despite this, a few hardline cadres continue to operate while remaining underground.
In light of the situation, Bastar IG Sundarraj P has issued a clear and stern message. He stated that only a handful of Maoists now remain along the borders of Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, and Kanker.
Furthermore, he emphasised that this represents their final opportunity to return to the mainstream. The IG categorically declared that if these Maoists do not come forward even now, the security forces will further intensify their operations.
Telangana DGP Appeals to Maoists to Surrender
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy has also reiterated his appeal to Maoists of Telangana origin to surrender.
He noted that in 2024, 125 individuals of Telangana origin were associated with the Maoist organisation; however, that number has now dwindled to a mere five. These remaining Maoists include prominent figures—most notably Ganapathi and Rupi, a female Maoist active along the Kanker-Narayanpur border—who continue to remain underground. In essence, it is evident that the Maoist infrastructure in Bastar has all but collapsed; yet, the last remaining Maoists now stand at a crossroads between surrender and armed confrontation, where their next move will determine their ultimate fate.
