Gadchiroli officials say district has moved from Maoist-hit to Naxal-free

Police officers, analysts and journalists met in Gadchiroli on Wednesday for a media workshop on "Naxal Mukt Bharat", where officials described the Maharashtra district as having moved from a Maoist-affected region to a Naxal-free one.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Nagpur organised the one-day VARTALAP workshop with Gadchiroli Police at the Police Headquarters. Local journalists attended.

What officials said

Sandeep Patil, Special Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations), Nagpur Range, speaking virtually, said Gadchiroli's change came through sustained security operations and a coordinated approach by security forces, policing and development work. He said the response to Left Wing Extremism must go beyond security operations to include strengthening democratic institutions, improving infrastructure and delivering welfare schemes.

Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh spoke on the district's journey, citing sustained operations, better intelligence and coordinated action, and referred to major operations against Maoist cadres and an increasing number of surrenders. He said efforts focus on stopping fresh recruitment and encouraging cadres to return to the mainstream. The role of the specialised C-60 force was also discussed.

P. Y. Ramana, a policy analyst, spoke on the economic dimensions of Left Wing Extremism, including mineral wealth and financial networks. Senior journalist Kartik Lokhande discussed the post-Maoism situation and the need to document change in affected areas.

DIG Yogesh Kumar, in the vote of thanks, said the biggest achievement had been winning local people's trust in the government.

Note

These are the officials' own assessments, as reported by PIB. The release gives no figures on incidents, surrenders or development spending.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (04 NOV 2026 7:02PM by PIB Mumbai). Read the full official text: PIB Nagpur's VARTALAP on ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat’ Highlights Security, Development and Community Engagement in Gadchiroli.