Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Mar 24: In a historic development just a week before the government’s self-imposed deadline, the last major Naxal cadre in Bastar, Papa Rao alias Mangu, surrendered along with his armed group, marking a significant milestone in the region’s fight against insurgency.
The 56-year-old Papa Rao, a senior member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and head of the West Bastar Division Committee, arrived at Kutru police station carrying an AK-47 and other weapons. He was accompanied by 17 associates, including 10 men and 8 women, and later transported to Jagdalpur. Security forces recovered eight AK-47 rifles, one SLR, and one INSAS rifle from the group. A reward of Rs 25 lac had been announced for his capture.
Papa Rao was considered the most wanted Naxalite in Bastar following the elimination of Madvi Hidma, former commander of Battalion No. 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). Known for his intimate knowledge of Bastar’s forests and terrain, he had repeatedly evaded police operations over the years.
Vijay Sharma confirmed the surrender during an event in Kawardha, stating, “With Papa Rao’s surrender, there are no active members left in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee.” Sharma added that only two top leaders—Mishir Besra and Ganapathi—remain active outside the state.
Officials described the surrender as the virtual dismantling of the West Bastar Divisional Committee. Papa Rao was the last frontline combatant following the surrender of Battalion No. 1 commander Deva and the elimination of 17 top leaders last year, including Madvi Hidma, general secretary Basavaraju, and Ganesh Uike. Hundreds of other cadres, such as Bhupati, Rupesh, and Ramdher, have also laid down arms in recent months.
The Chhattisgarh government has hailed this as the “complete eradication of armed Naxalism” from Bastar.
However, the State Congress raised concerns. Party president Deepal Baij demanded clarifications, warning that post-deadline, tribal communities could face harassment and Bastar’s natural resources might be handed to private companies. He urged authorities to ensure that no innocent tribal person is falsely branded a Naxalite.