RANCHI: Saranda forest in Kolhan, a Maoist stronghold for nearly three decades, has been declared Naxal-free by Jharkhand Police following sustained anti-Naxal operations across the state. Police said the milestone marked a significant change in the remote region.
Chaibasa SP Amit Renu said a major breakthrough came on August 11, when four active Maoists surrendered before the police under Operation Navjeevan-III.
They included Saluka Kayam, a CPI (Maoist) zonal commander carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward and among the last senior Maoist leaders operating in the remote forests and hills of Kolhan, Porahat and Saranda.
Following the surrender, the national flag was hoisted for the first time at Sangajata village, deep inside the Saranda-Kolhan forests of West Singhbhum, on August 15. SDPO Dr Syed Mustafa Hashmi hoisted the flag as villagers joined police to mark Independence Day and their liberation from Maoist violence.
Hashmi also held a health camp, examining patients and providing consultations, treatment and other healthcare support. It was the first time a senior police officer had visited the remote village.
Police said the district’s Naxal-free declaration followed the surrender of the final four Maoists. Under Operations Navjeevan-I and II, 25 and 14 Maoists had surrendered in Ranchi on May 21 and July 28 respectively.
Police said operations by Chaibasa Police, backed by security forces and intelligence agencies, tightened the encirclement. Disillusionment with the Maoist organisation, resentment over internal exploitation and community policing helped persuade the rebels.
According to police, 113 Maoists, including top leader Misir Besra, were arrested across Jharkhand till August 15. Another 50 surrendered, including several weakened rebels. Twenty-two Maoists were killed in encounters.
