Four districts in Maharashtra declared Naxal-free Announcement by the Maharashtra Govt

Gondia and Gadchiroli are still affected by Naxal presence

Mumbai, 27 June – The Maharashtra government has officially announced that Naxalism has been eradicated from four districts — Chandrapur, Bhandara, Nanded, and Yavatmal. However, the government stated that Naxal activity still persists in Gondia and Gadchiroli districts. The state’s Home Department provided this information through a government resolution issued on 27 June.

1. In 2004, the Home Department had declared the entire Gadchiroli district, along with the Tirora, Goregaon, Sadak Arjuni, Salekasa, Deori, and Arjuni Morgaon talukas of Gondia district, as Naxal-affected.

2. In Chandrapur district, the Chandrapur, Gondpipri, Rajura, Korpana, Jiwati, Ballarpur, Pombhurna, Mul, and Sawli talukas were declared Naxal-affected. Similarly, in Bhandara district, the Sakoli, Lakhani, and Lakhandoor talukas, and in Nanded district, the Kinwat taluka were declared Naxal-affected.

3. Due to the firm stance taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah against Naxalism, agencies at both the central and state levels carried out extensive operations in Naxal-affected areas.

4. After 20 years, the Maharashtra government has declared the revised list of Naxal-affected areas. As per the current status, the entire Gadchiroli district and the Gondia, Salekasa, Deori, and Arjuni Morgaon talukas of Gondia district are still Naxal-affected.