After decades of insurgency, Bastar has finally been declared free from Naxal influence, marking a significant victory for the security forces and the government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially removed Bastar and five other districts from the list of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, signalling a new era of peace and development in the region.
The shift comes as a result of relentless counter-insurgency operations, with over 8,000 Maoists surrendering in the last decade.
The latest crackdown in Abujhmarh jungles resulted in the elimination of 27 militants, including top commander Basavaraju.
The government’s firm stance on eradicating Naxal presence has evidently paid off, with hopes of complete national eradication before the initial 2026 deadline.
Other districts of Bastar division – Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Kanker – are still categorised as ‘most affected LWE districts’ while Dantewada features among ‘other LWE districts’
Dhamtari, Kabirdham, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai and Rajnandgaon have also been sub-categorised under ‘legacy and thrust districts’.
