In its war against Reds, CRPF is now wiping out Maoist 'memorials'

NEW DELHI: As the country moves towards becoming Naxalism-free by March 31, it's not just the last of Maoist leaders and cadres that are being hunted or asked to surrender. The physical symbols of Left-wing extremism -- specifically, 'memorials' built by CPI(Maoist) to "honour" its top leaders and commanders killed over the years -- are also being wiped out in mission mode, ensuring that the once Naxal-infested villages are never reminded of their violent and troubled past.In line with home minister Amit Shah's directions, reiterated at the Feb 8 review of Left-wing extremism in Raipur, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has, over the last 15 days, demolished 53 such 'memorials' across Sukma, Bijapur and Bastar in Chhattisgarh. Backed by location-mapping of these 'memorials', often with help from the locals, the CRPF is targeting the demolition of all by February end. This will be followed up with a plantation drive in the cleared areas, so that they merge with the surrounding forests, said a CRPF source. CRPF has been at the forefront of the multi-state offensive to reclaim Maoists' pocket-boroughs and has a predominant presence in the interior villages of Bastar region through forward-operating bases.Among the CPI(Maoist) 'memorials' -- usually tiered, concrete structures shaped like a pyramid or pagoda, some topped with CPI(Maoist) insignia -- razed by earthmovers over the past fortnight were ones erected following the neutralisation of its general secretary Namballa Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju in Narayanpur in May 2025 and of central committee member Ramachandra Pratap Reddy @ Chalapathi (CC) in Gariyaband in Jan 2025."CRPF is very close to the goal of uprooting Left-wing extremism from the country. Its efforts now extend to eliminating the fear of Maoists from the minds of people of Chhattisgarh, particularly tribals of Bastar who have borne the brunt of decades of Left-wing extremist violence. When the villagers see these 'memorials' reduced to dust by earthmovers, tractors, rope and hammers, without a murmur of protest or confrontation by any Naxal, a clear message goes regarding the fall of Maoism," a senior CRPF officer told TOI.A second officer said the fallen CPI(Maoist) 'memorials' also rule out any potential rallying or meeting points for "residual" Naxals or Maoist sympathisers. "It's a strong message rejecting Maoist ideology and reflects a change in mindset," the officer added.While a CPI(Maoist) 'memorial' in Mirtoor, Bijapur was demolished on Feb 9, one each in Bijapur and Sukma was razed on Feb 11. Six 'memorial structures' were bulldozed in Sukma and Bijapur on Feb 12, and another nine and five on Feb 13 and 14 respectively.