DARK DAYS ETCHED IN THE ANNALS OF BASTAR

The three-decade-long period of terror and fear is drawing to a close, as the extent of Naxalite violence in Chhattisgarh rapidly declines

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n Bastar, a tribal region renowned for its natural beauty and natural resources, Naxalism poses the greatest challenge to development.

For more than four decades, Naxalites have disrupted developmental efforts, hindered progress and misled tribal communities with false ideologies. They sought to instil fear through acts of violence. They even deprived children of education, robbed them of their innocence, and steered youth towards violence. Young girls, too, were kidnapped and forced to join the Naxalite movement. Many women were rendered widows, and families were left shattered. As a result, Bastar, despite being a mineral-rich region, remained one of the most underdeveloped areas of India.

However, the Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, remains committed to overcoming this challenge. The end of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is near, heralding a new era of development in Bastar. Its influence is waning, and complete eradication is on the horizon. The atrocities inflicted upon the innocent tribal villagers will soon be accounted for. They will finally receive justice and reclaim their prosperous and peaceful Bastar, which will be completely liberated from the grip of violent extremism, paving the way for rapid development.

Alook at the history of the Naxalite movement in Chhattisgarh uncovers a profoundly sorrowful past. The inhabitants of Bastar have endured considerable suffering due to unprecedented violence for close to 40 years. Countless painful memories remain etched in their minds, and each recollection fuels a stronger determination to overcome Naxalite violence. The police and security forces are firmly committed to tackling Naxalism, and the eradication of Naxalites is imminent.