FREE PRESS INDORE | TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 10, 2026 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE www.freepressjournal.in EDITIONS: INDORE UJJAIN PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper NAXAL-FREE MADHYA PRADESH USHERS TRIBAL REGIONS INTO DEVELOPMENT ERA M adhya Pradesh has formally turned a historic page by eliminating Naxalism from its territory after nearly 35 years. The end of armed insurgency, achieved through sustained security operations and a structured rehabilitation policy, has brought long-awaited relief to tribal communities who endured fear, violence, and isolation for decades. MP declared Naxal-free after intensive police operations Madhya Pradesh’s declaration as a Naxal-free state marks a decisive transformation in the social, security, and developmental landscape of its tribal regions. For nearly three and a half decades, large parts of the state—particularly Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori—remained trapped in a cycle of violence, mistrust, and underdevelopment caused by Left Wing Extremism. The successful conclusion of anti-Naxal operations on December 11, 2025, has brought this prolonged chapter to an end, creating conditions for peace and sustained progress in areas predominantly The state shares an 836-kilometre border with Chhattisgarh, making operations challenging. Police conducted 4,104 antiNaxal operations, a 23% increase over the previous year and neutralised 10 hardcore Naxals in 2025, including four in a major operation under a specialised strategy. These operations included targeted actions under a specialised jungle-combat strategy, resulting in the neutralisation of 10 hardcore Naxals in 2025 and the effective disruption of remaining operational networks. In development measures, 250 schools in Naxal-affected areas were renovated and more than 280 institutions are being upgraded as centres of excellence. Camps were organised to provide forest rights, caste certificates and employment opportunities to tribal communities. The Hawk Force received approval for 882 posts to strengthen security infrastructure. Chief Minister Yadav announced that Balaghat will host an agriculture cabinet meeting https://youtu.be/ie_Ln8WoLAs Background: Three decades of insurgency in Madhya Pradesh axal activity in Madhya Pradesh began between 1988 and 1990, primarily affecting Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts. Over the next three and a half decades, insurgency emerged as one of the most complex internal security challenges for the state. The movement disrupted development projects, created fear among citizens and targeted public infrastructure. Police vehicles were attacked, welfare delivery was hindered and civilians as well as security personnel lost their lives. The murder of former minister Likhiram Kawre in Balaghat highlighted the intensity of violence during earlier years. Tribal communities were particularly affected, as insurgency slowed development, governance outreach and livelihood opportunities. N Scan to listen to the address of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inhabited by tribal communities. The Chief Minister noted that the final surrender of the remaining Naxals took place on 11 December 2025 at Balaghat Police Lines, formally closing a conflict that had persisted for nearly 35 years and allowing the state to meet the national target for eliminating Left Wing Extremism well ahead of the 2026 deadline. Officials said the dismantling of the MMC Zone network linking Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh was critical in preventing cross-border movement and resurgence. The Chief Minister honoured 60 Hawk Force personnel with out-of-turn promotions for bravery in Naxal encounters. He also inaugurated ISO certification for 32 police stations and government offices in the district through a single-click system and released the book ‘Naxal Sansmaran’. Floral tributes were paid at Amar Jawan Jyoti to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in antiNaxal operations. Madhya Pradesh lost 38 police personnel and 27 civilians during the campaign. AFTER DECADES OF INSURGENCY, TRIBAL HEARTLANDS EMERGE FROM NAXAL SHADOW TOWARD PEACE, REHABILITATION, AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH during the Agriculture Welfare Year and that a memorial linked to the Naxal-free campaign will be established at Amar Jawan Jyoti. He assured strict arrangements to prevent Naxal resurgence. Transport and School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh, MP Bharati Pardhi, ADG Venkateshwar Rao and SP Aditya Mishra were present. Police reaffirmed that areas once affected by gunfire will now witness employment, education and public confidence. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh had borne the pain of Naxal violence for almost 35 years, a period during which tribal populations suffered the most. Remote forest villages became battlegrounds, basic services collapsed, and generations grew up under the shadow of fear. According to the Chief Minister, the complete elimination of Naxalism from the state before the deadline set by the Union Home Ministry stands as one of the most significant achievements of the government. National strategy and leadership guidance Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav stated that the campaign to eliminate Naxalism in Madhya Pradesh was carried out in alignment with the national strategy against Reported outcomes include: n 16 encounters and exchanges of fire recorded in 2025. n 13 hardcore Naxals neutralised and one arrested. n Multiple operations in Balaghat and Mandla dismantled operational networks. n In June 2025, four Naxals including three women were killed in Balaghat; automatic weapons and ammunition were recovered. n Forest-based cordon-and-search operations prevented regrouping. The state credited security personnel for sustained operations conducted in challenging terrain. Surrender movement and rehabilitation framework Rehabilitation and reintegration formed a central component of the strategy. Key developments: Left Wing Extremism. He credited the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state strengthened intelligence sharing, operational planning and interstate cooperation. The national objective aimed to eliminate Naxal- ism within a defined timeframe, and Madhya Pradesh reported achieving the milestone ahead of that deadline. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consistently emphasised that Left Wing Extremism must be eradicated for development and internal security, and that coordinated action by states and central forces is essen- tial to achieve the goal. Security operations: SUSTAINED ENFORCEMENT AND RESULTS The anti-Naxal campaign relied on continuous surveillance, intelligencebased targeting and coordinated operations by state police, Hawk Force and central security forces. December 2025 milestone: Removal of Naxal presence Role of police, Hawk Force and central security forces National anti-Naxal context and interstate coordination On 11 December 2025, Madhya Pradesh declared that Naxal presence had been eliminated from the state following surrender of remaining cadres in Balaghat. The state described the achievement as a historic turning point and a golden chapter in governance, marking transition from conflict management to development-oriented administration. State police, Hawk Force and central forces carried out coordinated operations in difficult terrain and forest regions. Intelligence-based action dismantled remaining networks and enabled surrender efforts. Personnel received promotions and recognition for their contribution, and the state acknowledged sacrifices made by security forces over decades of conflict. The state linked its success with broader national progress against Left Wing Extremism. Leadership statements highlighted interstate cooperation and coordinated security planning. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasised that surrender and rehabilitation are central to weakening extremist networks and restoring development pathways. National-level data also indicates increasing surrenders across affected states, reinforcing coordinated strategy. n Ten Naxals carrying rewards totalling about Rs 2.36 crore surrendered in Balaghat. n In the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh zone, 42 Naxals surrendered within 42 days. n Constitution copies were provided to surrendering cadres to encourage reintegration into democratic processes. n Facilitation centres were established to provide employment, welfare benefits and forest rights services. n Livelihood support and rehabilitation packages were extended. The Chief Minister reiterated that those choosing constitutional paths would be supported, while violence would invite strict enforcement. Institutional strengthening and operational deployment The state government undertook structural measures to sustain stability: n Special supportive units sanctioned for Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori. n Additional camps and deployment in sensitive regions. n Coordination with neighbouring states to prevent crossborder movement. n Modernisation of police infrastructure and intelligence systems. n Promotions and honours for officers and personnel involved in anti-Naxal operations. n Continuous monitoring significantly reduced insurgent activity. Development acceleration in previously affected districts The removal of insurgency has enabled expansion of development initiatives in Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori. Post-stabilisation outcomes include: n Increased infrastructure development. n Skill training and livelihood programmes for youth. n Strengthened public service delivery. n Improved administrative outreach in remote tribal areas. The government stated that insurgency had long obstructed development and its elimination will accelerate welfare delivery and economic growth. Chief Minister’s official social media handles Governance achievements and development initiatives The state presented antiNaxal success within the broader framework of governance and development over the past two years. Major initiatives include: n River-linking and irrigation expansion projects aimed at increasing agricultural productivity. n Industrial development initiatives and investment promotion. n Infrastructure expansion in roads, energy and public services. n Welfare programmes for tribal communities, farmers, women and youth. n Strengthening of education, healthcare and employment initiatives. n Expansion of public transport, connectivity and regional infrastructure. Security stabilisation has enabled implementation of these initiatives in previously affected regions. Policy framework for prevention and long-term stability The government emphasised that eliminating active insurgency is only the first stage. Preventing resurgence requires sustained governance and monitoring. Policy priorities include: n n n n n n Continuous surveillance and intelligence coordination. Community engagement in tribal regions. Employment and livelihood support for youth. Rehabilitation assistance for surrendered cadres. Institutional mechanisms to prevent extremist regrouping. Interstate coordination to maintain stability. Human cost and recognition of sacrifices The government acknowledged the human cost of the conflict, including loss of lives among civilians and security personnel. The end of insurgency was described as a tribute to those who served and sacrificed. Promotions, recognition and welfare support were extended to personnel and families affected. Leadership vision and governance messaging Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav emphasised that Naxalism had long hindered development and public confidence. He reiterated that removing insurgency would enable rapid governance delivery and economic progress in tribal areas. The administration maintained a dual approach: n Rehabilitation and reintegration for those surrendering n Strict enforcement against continued violence Leadership statements framed the achievement as both a security milestone and a development breakthrough. D-16158