The Maharashtra government’s declaration that the state is free from armed Maoism or Naxalism, based on its assertion this week that not a single active armed Maoist remains on its records, should be welcomed with relief and caution. It has taken decades of sound strategy and foresight, bravery, and courage by the security forces on the ground and targeted development programmes and welfare schemes for the tribals in the affected districts to reach this milestone. The decisive and last operation, titled Antim Prahar, lasting over 100 hours, was carried out in May this year when a quartet of leaders was nabbed at Telangana’s Rukmapur railway station and raids conducted in Kumner and Naitala villages, Gadchiroli.

The Gadchiroli district,........

© Free Press Journal