Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sharma reached Kiskordo village, known as the den of Naxalites, sat on the ground with the villagers and listened to their problems.

Kiskordo will be developed as an ideal village – Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sharma

Raipur: Once a stronghold of the Naxalite organization and known as the den of Naxalites in Bastar, Kiskodo village in the Antagarh development block of North Bastar Kanker district witnessed a historic scene on Friday, June 26th. At the same place where Naxalite gatherings used to take place, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma held a public meeting with the villagers late in the evening to listen to their problems. This village, which had suffered the pangs of fear and violence for years, is now writing a new chapter of democracy, development, and trust.

Upon arriving in the village, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma was warmly welcomed by the villagers. He sat on the ground among the villagers and interacted with them, listening seriously to each person's problems, demands, and suggestions. The Sarpanchs of eight surrounding Panchayats, including Kiskodo Village, and a large number of villagers were present during the meeting.

The villagers placed several demands such as better health facilities, electricity system, construction of sub-station in Bandapal, fertilizer storage center, boundary wall of the school and construction of pipe culvert on Matla road. While instructing the officials to take necessary action, the Deputy Chief Minister also gave instructions to provide ambulance for transportation of patients to the hospital and to strengthen the electricity system. He said that Kiskordo will be developed as an ideal village and no shortage will be allowed in development works. Seeing the enthusiasm of the villagers who came here for the development of their area, the Deputy Chief Minister said that after living under the shadow of fear for years, the eagerness to bring about development as soon as possible is visible among the villagers today is unbelievable.

It is noteworthy that until October 2025, the Kiskordo Area Committee was a major center of Naxalite activities, but has now been declared Naxal-free. Recently, boreholes were dug to alleviate the drinking water crisis in the village, providing relief to the villagers. During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the Kiskordo Primary Health Center.

At the Janchaupal, villagers emotionally remarked that while the Naxalite community used to hold a meeting here, today, for the first time, the Deputy Chief Minister of the government has held a meeting. It's like a dream come true. They explained that previously, people were afraid to leave their homes after dusk. Attempts were made to forcibly recruit children into Naxalite organizations, and even government employees, despite being posted here, were reluctant to take up their duties. Today, the same village is moving forward in a new direction, confident in development, security, and a democratic system.

The Deputy Chief Minister told the villagers that Kiskordo, once known for fear and guns, is now emerging as a new symbol of development, trust, and democracy. The resounding chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" paint a new picture of this changing Bastar. Encouraging the villagers to embrace organic farming, he said that along with better training, certification is also necessary. Branding should be done by involving all the surrounding Panchayats. He also directed the establishment of a system for processing minor forest produce. Kanker Collector Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar, ASP Akash Shrishrimal, District Panchayat CEO Haresh Mandavi, ADM AS Paikra, SDM Antagarh Rahul Rajak, along with other officials and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.