Chhattisgarh's Victory Against Maoist Insurgency: How Hidma's Elimination Changes Bastar's Future

Maoist Madvi Hidma and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared on Friday that the elimination of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in a recent encounter has severely weakened the insurgent movement.

Speaking at the NDTV Chhattisgarh Conclave, Sai emphasized that while Hidma's death was significant, development initiatives in the affected regions remain equally crucial. "Eliminating Hidma is important, but ensuring development reaches Bastar is essential," stated the Chief Minister, referring to the area where Hidma had long symbolized violence and terror.

The 51-year-old Maoist leader was killed on Tuesday during an operation in Andhra Pradesh's Maredumilli forest. Security forces also eliminated his wife Madkam Raje and four other insurgents in the same encounter. Authorities described this operation as potentially the "last nail in the coffin" for the Maoist insurgency. Hidma had carried rewards totaling over Rs 1 crore across multiple states, with Rs 40 lakh offered in Chhattisgarh alone.

"Maoism has significantly hindered development in these regions," Sai noted. "The coordination between state and central BJP governments has proven effective in addressing this challenge." He praised security forces for their bravery, stating that "from Basavaraju to Hidma, these eliminations have fundamentally undermined the Maoist movement."

The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to reintegrate affected communities with the mainstream. "Previously, residents in Maoist-affected areas were afraid to leave their homes and had minimal awareness about national developments. We're working to change that," he explained.

As evidence of this engagement strategy, Sai pointed to recent cultural and sporting initiatives. "The Bastar Olympics attracted over 100,000 young participants, including victims of Maoist violence who had lost limbs or eyesight. We also organized Bastar Pandum to celebrate tribal culture," he said.

Bastar Pandum, held in April, showcased tribal arts through competitions in dance, folk songs, and drama. Meanwhile, the Bastar Olympics, organized in Narayanpur district, aimed to promote traditional sports while identifying talent among tribal youth.

Sai also detailed the government's rehabilitation policy designed to facilitate the return of former Maoists to mainstream society. He referenced the Niyyad Nilar (Your Beautiful Village) scheme, which provides Rs 50,000 incentives along with other government benefits to those who surrender. According to the Chief Minister, this program has resulted in significant numbers of Maoists abandoning the insurgency.