80% Maoism eradicated in Chhattisgarh: Deputy CM Sharma

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Saturday said that 80% of Maoism has been eliminated in the state and it is now confined to only a few pockets.

“Naxalism has been eradicated in Chhattisgarh by 80 per cent. It persists in some areas in the western regions of Abhujmad and in the southern regions of Sukma and Bijapur districts. Today, people in Bastar can finally breathe freely without fear,” Mr. Sharma told media persons in Raipur.

The statement comes following a series of surrenders by Maoists in different districts of the Bastar region throughout the week. The Centre has set a deadline of March 2026 for elimination of Maoism and Mr Sharma said that it would be achieved within the stipulated time.

He said that anyone wishing to surrender and return to the mainstream is welcome, and the government will take full responsibility for their rehabilitation. The armed forces will continue to take action, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

“Those who choose not to surrender and continue to take up arms will get an appropriate response from our well-equipped security forces,” he said.

Answering a question on the future of Bastar once the Maoist issue is resolved, Mr. Sharma said that the government firmly believes the region’s ‘jal, jungle, zameen’ (water, forests and land) belongs to the people of Bastar, especially its youth.

“A strong narrative is emerging that Bastar’s youth themselves will shape the future of the region. This is a matter of pride and immense satisfaction. The enthusiasm seen in ‘Bastar Olympics’ and ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival shows youth are ready to take charge,” he said, adding that legal provisions empowering gram sabhas would be implemented soon.