The state of Madhya Pradesh has achieved a historic feat as it has been declared Naxal-free, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav making the big announcement on Thursday. The state reached the milestone with the surrender of the last two Maoist cadre members in Balaghat to the security forces. The two Naxalites who surrendered, Deepak and Rohit, were wanted in various Maoist-linked crime cases. Deepak had a reward amounting to ₹29 lakh, and Rohit had an amount of ₹14 lakh on his head. Both Naxalites surrendered at the CRPF camp in Korka, falling under the Birsa police station jurisdiction.

The news was welcomed by Chief Minister Yadav, who described the event as a historical occasion for the state. “Madhya Pradesh becomes Naxal-free,” he said, appreciating the hard work put in by the state police and central forces. He also remembered the sacrifice made by security forces, saying that 38 officers and jawans sacrificed their lives during anti-Naxal operations.

The Maoists have been active in and around Balaghat for several decades because of the forest and tough terrain. But regular operations, better intelligence, and cooperation among state police and central forces have ensured that there have been fewer Maoist activities in recent years.

As per the police sources, with the surrender of Deepak and Rohit, there are no hardcore Naxal cadres remaining active on either side of the Madhya Pradesh zone within Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh. Balaghat district police officer, SP Aditya Mishra, also confirmed the news. According to him, it came as a result of pressure from security forces.

Within the recent months alone, more Maoists have either surrendered or been neutralised in an encounter. According to security agencies, 2025 witnessed the maximum number of surrenders within 21 years. It clearly shows that the influence of extremism is gradually fading.

The Chief Minister Yadav said that the state did not only focus on taking tough actions but ensured that there was an opportunity for people who wanted out of the violence trail. The surrendered cadres will receive rehabilitation support and help to get back into mainstream society under the Surrender Policy guidelines set by the state of Madhya Pradesh.

At the same time, he emphasised that with an end to Naxalism in the state, it will be easier for the government to concentrate on development. According to him, the next big challenge is ‘doubling farmers’ income and rural progress’.

The government believes that making Madhya Pradesh Naxal-free will attract more investment, accelerate development in Maoist-infested areas of Balaghat, Mandla, and Dindori. The state government assured that the security forces will remain very vigilant to ensure no instances of Naxal actions in the future.