In a first, Independence Day celebrations will be held in Chhattisgarh villages where Naxals reigned supreme
As Amit Shah’s March 2026 deadline to eradicate Left Wing Extremism in the country approaches, security forces continue their anti-insurgency push in the state.
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As security forces continue to make inroads into Chhattisgarh’s Maoist stronghold Abujhmad, seven villages of the region will celebrate Independence Day for the first time.
Seven other villages in neighbouring Bijapur and Sukma district will also see the Indian Tricolour being hoisted “for the first time after being freed from Naxal influence”, one official said.
Swathes of unsurveyed land spread roughly across 4,000 sq. km in South Chhattisgarh, Abujhmad, or Maad, has been a Maoist den for over four decades. However, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s March 2026 deadline to eradicate Left Wing Extremism in the country looms, security forces continue their anti-insurgency push in the state – including Abujhmad.
Significantly, 448 Maoists have been killed in various encounters ever since the counter-insurgency push began in 2024 — including over a 100 in Maad.
The seven villages in Abujhmad are Kutul, Bedamakoti, Padamkot and Nelangur under the Kohkameta police station, Pangur and Kaandulnar under the Sonpur police station and Rainar under Orchha police station, police said.
Of the other seven villages, five are in Bijapur and two in Sukma.
“Out of approximately 4,000 sq. km area of Maad, nearly 60 percent is under the control of security forces due to the new security camps set up there in the recent months. Unlike before, the forces are now in a position to operate in the entire 100 percent of Abhujmad region,” Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P told The Indian Express.
According to the IG, the police camps “will help to curb the influence of Naxalism and implement democracy by conducting elections”.
Among other significant projects in Abujhmad is the upcoming National Highway 130-D from Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh) to Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, passing through Abujhmad in Narayanpur as well as Kanker districts.
Meanwhile, 120 mobile towers will be set up across Abujhmad for better connectivity in remote villages, and the state government’s Niyad Nellanar is working towards providing basic amenities such as water, electricity, education and health facilities, officials said.
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