Decisive Blow to Naxal Insurgency : 18 Maoists, including hardcore commander Paparao, surrender in Bastar

Chief Minister says Naxalism in its final phase, development echoes across Bastar

Raipur, March 25, 2026 /

The anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh saw a major breakthrough on Wednesday, with a key surrender in Bastar’s Jagdalpur. The most-wanted Maoist commander Paparao laid down arms along with 17 associates, marking a significant step towards peace, stability, and development in the region.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai termed the surrender a decisive blow against Naxalism and said that the movement is now in its final phase, with the ideology of violence clearly facing defeat on the soil of Bastar.

“Maoist ideology, which created an atmosphere of fear and violence for years, is nearing its end, and Bastar is rapidly integrating with the mainstream of development,” said Shri Sai.

The Chief Minister credited the surge in surrenders to the state’s transparent, rehabilitation-focused approach, saying it has encouraged misguided youth to return to the mainstream. He noted that access to opportunities, security, and dignity is helping individuals abandon violence for development. Bastar, he added, is now witnessing the rise of trust and progress, with rapid gains in roads, education, healthcare, and employment transforming lives.

Chief Minister Shri Sai credited this achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the strong guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, stating that the resolve for a Naxal-free India has now reached a decisive stage. He also praised the courage, dedication, and strategic action of the security forces.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with the complete eradication of Maoism, the journey of peace, development, and trust in Bastar will continue, and Chhattisgarh will secure a leading position among the safe, prosperous, and developed states of the country.