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Chhattisgarh CM lays out blueprint for anti-insurgency ops – beyond the barrel of the gun

The CM was addressing jawans at Galgam security camp on Dantewada-Bijapur border. The speech came before the CM held a strategy meeting with top security officials in Bijapur to decide the next phase of action.

Chhattisgarh CM lays out blueprint for anti-insurgency ops ahead – ‘education, employment, and inclusive development'

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo

BijapurMay 16, 2025 04:23 PM IST First published on: May 16, 2025 at 06:40 AM IST

Days after security forces called off the anti-insurgency operations in the state, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met security forces involved and told them that the fight ahead would not be waged with weapons and courage alone, “but also through education, employment, and inclusive development”.

The CM was addressing jawans at Galgam security camp on Dantewada-Bijapur border. The speech came before the CM held a strategy meeting with top security officials in Bijapur to decide the next phase of action.

The speech also comes days after the security forces announced they were calling off ‘Operation Kurraguttalu’ or ‘Operation Black Forest’, an anti-insurgency operation that involved over 25,000 security personnel — both central and state armed police forces as well as the Indian Air Force. According to officials, at least 31 Maoists were killed in the operation, which began on April 21, while 450 IEDs were defused and a massive cache of explosives and weapons were recovered.

“Brave soldiers like you are our greatest strength,” he said at the camp. “The determination with which you carry out operations even in the scorching 44-degree (Celsius) heat is an inspiration for the entire state. I assure you that through your courage and our collective resolve, we will make Chhattisgarh free from Naxalism by 2026,” he said.

He added: “The operation was more than a military success and the moment has arrived with the crucial opportunity to pave the way for sustainable peace and prosperity”.

The CM’s visit formed part of the state government’s ‘Sushasan Tyohaar’ of ‘Good Governance Festival’ — a flagship initiative aimed at taking governance to the grassroots and closely tracking the implementation of public welfare schemes, according to officials.

One official said that the real goal of the visit “was to convert the military victory at strategic areas like Karregutta into long-term development and peace”.

At the meeting held in the evening, the Chief Minister assessed the security operations and reviewed development initiatives related to education, healthcare, roads, communications, and employment for youth, officials said.