“Operation Prayas” Encourages Surrenders, Brings Development to Maoist-Affected Areas of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki
Published on: May 15, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh
Continuing efforts to dismantle Maoist influence in the Maoist-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, Superintendent of Police (IPS) VY Singh recently met with the family members of Maoist commander Lokesh Salame. During the interaction, Singh urged them to persuade Lokesh to surrender and take advantage of the Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy aimed at reintegrating former extremists into mainstream society.
Singh also appealed to the local villagers, encouraging any Maoist willing to abandon arms to surrender at the nearest police station. The state offers comprehensive rehabilitation benefits, including financial aid, education, and livelihood assistance.
Operation Prayas: A Growing Impact
Under the district’s flagship initiative “Operation Prayas,” three former Maoists have surrendered in recent months. Among them, Press Team Commander Pawan Tulavi and his wife laid down arms after sustained outreach by the district police. Pawan, a native of Daurde village in Madanwada police station limits, had been associated with Maoist activities since 2014. He surrendered in Mohla after being persuaded through dialogue with his family.
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In April 2025, another Maoist commander, Rupesh Mandavi, who was known to operate alongside Lokesh Salame, also surrendered. His decision came after months of persistent efforts by police to engage his family and encourage him to embrace a peaceful life.
Development Through Security Camps
As part of Operation Prayas, security forces have established base camps in deep forest areas to restrict Maoist movement and simultaneously promote development. These camps have become centers for public service delivery—rural health camps, essential supply distribution, and agricultural support programs are being run actively.
Key villages like Aamakodo and Pitemeta have benefited through new infrastructure projects, including CC roads connecting remote areas to main highways. Blacktop roads have been laid to connect villages like Bookmarka via the Sambalpur camp, and similar development is underway in Ghodazhari via the Navagaon camp. Mobile connectivity is also improving, with the installation of five new telecom towers.
Crackdown on Maoist Sympathizers
The police are also targeting Maoist sympathizers who supply logistical support to the insurgents. Over the past year, more than 15 such individuals have been booked under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This crackdown has disrupted Maoist networks, preventing the establishment of new camps, organizing meetings, or extorting villagers.
With focused efforts on surrender initiatives, community outreach, and regional development, the district police under Operation Prayas aim to dismantle Maoist infrastructure and restore long-term peace in the region.
