- Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is providing ongoing guidance to eradicate the Naxal problem as part of a zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism. In line with this, Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Sudhir Kumar Saxena visited Balaghat district for two days to accelerate the anti-Naxal operations in the region.
On the night of October 12, the DGP arrived at the Trijunction Camp, having traveled from Bhopal to Gondia, and walked for about an hour and a half to reach the Murkutdoh Joint Task Force Camp. The visit was kept confidential due to operational security. Located in the tri-junction area of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, the Murkutdoh Security Camp is staffed by the Maharashtra Police’s C-60 force, the Chhattisgarh DRG force, and the Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force. The camp is strategically positioned to prevent Naxalites from entering from Abujhmad.
During his visit, the DGP reviewed coordination and joint operations and provided necessary guidance. He engaged in group and individual discussions with the soldiers, praising their dedication and bravery in challenging conditions, and boosting their morale.
When the DGP later made an unannounced visit to Hawk Force Camps in Pitkona, Dabri, Songudda, Dora, and the CRPF Camp in Bithli in Balaghat district, security protocols were strictly followed. At the Hawk Force Camp, the sentry at the gate requested the DGP’s identification and password, preventing entry until the password was provided.
During his visit, the DGP conveyed the sentiments and directions of the Honorable Union Home Minister and Chief Minister, assuring the soldiers that their concerns are taken seriously and that they are supported with new allowances and promotions for their exceptional work in campaigns. The DGP reviewed ongoing operations, including searches, area domination, and intelligence-based activities, and directed that these efforts be intensified in areas identified as Naxal hotspots. He inspected the camp barracks and emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness.
At the CRPF Camp in Bithli, the DGP expressed satisfaction with the joint efforts of the CRPF, Hawk Force, and other police units in combating Naxalism in Balaghat. He urged the soldiers to work with even greater dedication, following the guidance of the Union Home Minister and Chief Minister.
That night, the DGP stayed at the Hawk Force Camp in Dora, where he dined with the soldiers and spent the night in the barracks. In informal discussions, he gathered their suggestions on how to resolve the Naxal issue. He also participated in the camp’s nighttime security drill, further raising the soldiers’ morale.
The DGP instructed officers to promote the provisions of the new Naxal surrender policy among local residents and encourage Naxalites to surrender.
On October 14, 2024, DGP Sudhir Kumar Saxena held a joint meeting with the CRPF Director General and senior officials from IB, CRPF, IG Balaghat, IG and DIG Anti-Naxal Operations, and officials from other districts and departments to strategize on eliminating Naxalism. Representatives from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh were also present. The meeting focused on enhancing coordination across district borders and ensuring the timely completion of development projects related to infrastructure in Naxalite-affected areas to build public trust.
Madhya Pradesh Police has made significant strides in tackling Naxalism in the last five years, with notable success in the past two years. Twenty high-ranking Naxalites carrying a total reward of Rs.3.31 crore have been eliminated, exceeding the number killed over the previous 30 years. Additionally, for the first time, divisional committee-level Naxalites have been neutralized, and AK-47 rifles recovered from them. Six Naxalites with rewards totaling Rs.1.52 crore have been arrested, including Special Zonal Committee member Ashok Reddy, who had an Rs.82 lakh bounty.
Since December 2023, four Naxalites have been killed, and one arrested in four encounters. Efforts to cut off Naxalite funding have been successful, including the prevention of Rs.8 crore in illegal extortion during the tendu leaf plucking season over the past three years. Documents recovered from encounters and captured Naxalites confirm this. The government’s continuous operations and development initiatives in Naxalite-affected areas have won public trust, as evidenced by higher voter turnout in these regions during recent elections.
Given the increasing pressure on Naxalites, Madhya Pradesh Police is working on new strategies, including the establishment of forward bases and the intensification of operations in targeted areas. Coordination with neighboring states is also being strengthened to improve intelligence and operational efficiency.
