Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday lauded Chhattisgarh’s success in combating Naxalism, calling it a testament to India’s evolving security policy and developmental vision.

In a post on X, Minister Pradhan highlighted the surrender of 210 Naxalites in the historically insurgency-hit Dandakaranya region under the “Poona Margem: Punarvaas se Punarjeevan” initiative as part of the government’s ongoing surrender and rehabilitation drive.

छत्तीसगढ़ से आई सुखद खबर भारत की नई सुरक्षा नीति और विकास दृष्टि का प्रमाण है। आज “पूना मारगेम: पुनर्वास से पुनर्जीवन” के तहत ऐतिहासिक रूप से नक्सल प्रभावित दण्डकारण्य क्षेत्र में 210 नक्सलियों ने हिंसा का मार्ग छोड़कर मुख्यधारा में वापसी की है। साथ ही कल अबूझमाड़ और उत्तर बस्तर…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2025

Historic Shift in Dandakaranya

Pradhan said that the rehabilitation of former Naxalites marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against left-wing extremism. He noted that regions like Abujhmad and North Bastar—once considered epicenters of Naxal violence—are now completely free from left wing extremism.

National Commitment to Eradicate Naxalism

The Union Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah’s execution for the transformation, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminate Naxalism nationwide by March 31, 2026. Since the BJP government took office in January 2024, Chhattisgarh alone has seen 2,100 surrenders, 1,785 arrests, and 477 neutralizations of Naxal operatives.

State Leadership Applauded

Pradhan extended heartfelt thanks to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Arun Sao for their decisive leadership and grassroots efforts. He praised the synergy between the central and state governments, which he said has scripted a new chapter of development and trust in the region.

Also Read: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Applauds Zoho’s Rural Tech Revolution

A New Dawn for Bastar

With Naxalism now confined to a few pockets in South Bastar, Pradhan expressed optimism that these areas too will soon witness the rise of development. He concluded by affirming that Chhattisgarh’s progress is symbolic of India’s march toward peace, prosperity, and a “Viksit Bharat.”

Notably, a total of 210 naxalites surrendered today in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of  Bastar district in Chhattisgarh. These Naxalites surrendered 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47 rifles, and 17 SLR rifles. According to the officials, the surrendered group represented various ranks of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organisation.