Balaghat Declared Naxal-Free After Key Surrender

Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, has officially been declared free of Naxal influence following the surrender of 12 Maoist cadres on Monday, marking a significant triumph in the region's battle against insurgency. This decisive shift comes ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by the Union Home Ministry to eliminate Naxalism from affected districts, strengthening the state's security footprint.

The most significant surrender was that of Ramdher Majji, the MMC zone in-charge and a key figure in the Balaghat zone. Majji, considered on par with the notorious Naxalite Hidma, surrendered an AK-47 rifle, signaling the collapse of the remaining Maoist network in the area. A reward of ₹1 crore had been announced for his capture. Before surrendering, Majji stated that the Maoist's support base was dwindling.

Alongside Majji, his close associate and armed guard, Sunita Oyam, had surrendered a day earlier, along with 10 other cadres. Those who laid down arms on Monday include Chandu Usendi, Lalita, Janki, Prem, Ram Singh Dada, Sukesh Pottam, Laxmi, Sheela, Sagar, Kavita, and Yogita. The surrendered Maoists handed over a cache of 12 weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and two INSAS rifles, one SLR, and two .303 rifles. In total, the surrendered Naxalites collectively carried a bounty of ₹2.3 crore.

Balaghat Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra credited the surrender to sustained security operations and the government's rehabilitation initiatives. These initiatives offer financial assistance, vocational training, and support for reintegration into society. Mishra stated that this collective surrender is a turning point for Balaghat, which has been one of the most challenging Naxal-affected districts.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav welcomed the surrendered Naxals, noting that the two Maoist-affected districts of Mandla and Dindori had already been freed from the influence of left-wing extremists. He expressed his determination to make Balaghat free of Maoists by January.

Balaghat has experienced Naxal activity since the early 1990s due to its dense forests and its proximity to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Over the past few years, coordinated operations by state police and central security agencies have steadily weakened the movement's presence. In 2025, security forces carried out more than 2,350 anti-Naxal operations in Balaghat, resulting in the deaths of eight Maoists and the surrender of over two dozen others.

With the latest developments, only one active Maoist member, identified as Deepak, is reportedly remaining in Balaghat. Authorities are making efforts to ensure his return to the mainstream, which would mark the complete restoration of normalcy in the district.

Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026. He noted that Naxalism once spanned nearly 17 percent of India's territory and affected around 120 million people.

The success in Balaghat is being hailed as a model for other affected districts in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states. It demonstrates the effectiveness of combining strict law enforcement with targeted rehabilitation programs, offering hope for a future free from insurgency.