Surrendered Maoists Join Global Runners In Bastar

Raipur: The Abujhmad Half Peace Marathon 2026, held in Narayanpur district under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, received unpreceded response with over 10,000 marathoners from different parts of the country as well as the world taking part in it.

The participants in the 21 km-long half marathon included 60 sprinters from different countries, surrendered Maoists and local primitive tribe of Abujhmadia, officials said.

Overwhelmed by the success of the event, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who took part in the marathon symbolically, said that “From the land of Abujhmad, a strong and meaningful message of peace and goodwill is being conveyed to the entire country and the global community”.

He said that this is the same Abujhmad where, not long ago, it was difficult even for ordinary citizens and security personnel to reach.

Today, however, due to a positive secured environment, thousands of people gathered on the occasion with confidence and hope, he added.

“The enthusiasm and energy of the youth clearly signal that Bastar is steadily moving towards freedom from Maoism and will soon be fully infused with peace and prosperity”, he said.

Mr. Sai attributed the transformation of Bastar to the policies and leadership of the double-engine government.

Referring to the firm resolve and strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, he stated that a clear target has been set to eradicate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.

Bastar will be completely liberated from red terror, he affirmed.

He said that for nearly four decades, Naxalism had deprived the Bastar region of development, but that era has now ended.

“From here onward, the development graph of Bastar will show an upward trend”, he said.

Mr. Sai informed that development works worth Rs 351 crore have recently been inaugurated and foundation stones laid in Bastar region, along with the announcement of several new projects.