Chhattisgarh Initiates Land Acquisition in Maoist Stronghold for Army Training Facility

Chhattisgarh government initiates acquisition of 54,543 hectares in Abujhmad forest for an Army Maneuver Range. The move, targeting a Maoist stronghold, aligns with recent anti-extremism efforts. The range will serve for tactical training and could significantly impact regional security dynamics, following the establishment of new police camps in the area.

In a significant move that could reshape the security landscape of one of India's most volatile regions, the Chhattisgarh government has set in motion plans to acquire over 54,000 hectares of land in the Abujhmad forest. This vast tract, located in the heart of Maoist territory, is slated to become an Army Maneuver Range, potentially altering the balance of power in the long-standing conflict with left-wing extremists.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Chhattisgarh has instructed the Narayanpur district administration to proceed with the acquisition of 54,543 hectares in the Sonpur-Garpa region of Orchha tehsil. This area, part of the expansive Abujhmad forests, has long been considered an impenetrable fortress of Maoist insurgents.

Abujhmad, spanning approximately 4,000 square kilometers across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, has earned the moniker "hills of the unknown" due to its unmapped status and formidable geography. Previous attempts to survey the region have been thwarted by its challenging terrain, lack of infrastructure, and strong Maoist presence.

The timing of this development is noteworthy, coming on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent declaration that the "time has come to end Maoism." Shah's statement highlighted the confinement of extremists to small pockets in Chhattisgarh, attributing this to sustained security operations.

While the land acquisition process has been pending since 2017, officials from the revenue department indicate a renewed push to expedite the project. The proposed Maneuver Range will serve as a tactical training ground for the Army, allowing for large-scale exercises involving fire tactics, movement drills, and simulated battlefield scenarios.

Security experts suggest that establishing such a facility in a conflict zone could significantly enhance area domination and aid in maintaining law and order. A senior Chhattisgarh police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while the Army won't be conducting operations, their presence over a large area in the Maoist heartland could be a game-changer.

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This move aligns with broader security initiatives in the region. The Chhattisgarh police have already established four new camps in Abujhmad this year, gradually expanding their footprint in the area. Intelligence reports suggest that senior leaders of the CPI(Maoist) are currently concentrated in the southern and southwestern parts of Abujhmad, near the Maharashtra border and the Narayanpur-Maharashtra-Bijapur trijunction.

As the government moves forward with this ambitious project, it remains to be seen how it will navigate the complex interplay of security concerns, local sentiments, and environmental considerations in this sensitive region.