'Red Terror' ends in Dantewada after 40 years, say officials; district declared Naxal-free

Five Maoist cadres surrendered under a rehabilitation initiative in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, with security forces also recovering weapons, officials said on Tuesday. Authorities stated that the district is now free from active Maoist presence following sustained operations over the years. Inspector General (IG) Bastar P Sundarraj said that Maoist organisations have been dismantled in the region and appealed to any remaining cadres to surrender and join the mainstream. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Today, on March 31, 2026, standing here in Dantewada, we are in a position to declare that no Maoist organization remains active in this area. The Ma…