Sukma, Chhattisgarh: Once known as a stronghold of Naxal influence and violence, the Chintagufa region of Sukma district is now witnessing a gradual transformation. Areas that were earlier marked by fear, insecurity and limited access to government services are increasingly seeing a stronger presence of the police, administration and development initiatives.
Taking this change forward, the Sukma Police have launched the ‘Niva Duwad Te’ campaign, meaning “At Your Doorstep”, to establish direct communication with villagers and bring essential services and government support closer to rural communities.
Police Reaching Villagers at Their Doorsteps
Under the guidance of Sukma Superintendent of Police Mayank Gurjar, police personnel are visiting villages under the ‘Niva Duwad Te’ initiative and interacting directly with residents.
Instead of limiting their role to security operations, police personnel are engaging with villagers, sitting with them, listening to their concerns and understanding the challenges they face in their daily lives.
This approach is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and local communities and creating an environment where villagers can freely communicate their problems and expectations.
From Naxal Influence to Public Trust
For years, Chintagufa and several other areas of Sukma remained affected by Naxal activities. The presence and influence of armed insurgents created an atmosphere of fear among local communities and also affected the accessibility of government machinery in remote villages.
However, with sustained security operations, improved administrative outreach, development activities and implementation of government welfare schemes, the situation has gradually started changing.
The increasing presence of government institutions and security personnel in these areas is helping create a new environment based on security, dialogue and public confidence.
The ‘Niva Duwad Te’ campaign is being seen as another step towards strengthening this emerging relationship between villagers and the government system.
Identifying Problems and Connecting Villagers With Solutions
A key objective of the campaign is to identify problems at the village level and take them to the appropriate authorities for resolution.
During interactions with villagers, police personnel are gathering information about issues related to drinking water, roads, electricity, healthcare, education and other basic facilities.
The concerns raised by residents are being communicated to the concerned departments and administration so that appropriate action can be initiated.
The initiative also focuses on informing villagers about government welfare schemes and public-benefit programmes, with efforts to help eligible residents access the benefits available to them.
Building Confidence Through Dialogue
The campaign reflects a shift in the approach towards remote and previously Naxal-affected areas. Along with maintaining security, the police are increasingly focusing on communication, community engagement and confidence-building.
For villagers who have lived for years under the shadow of Naxal violence, the direct interaction with police personnel can play an important role in rebuilding confidence in the government system.
The message from the Sukma Police is clear: “Trust through dialogue.”
The initiative highlights the importance of establishing a direct connection between the administration, police and local communities. Reaching villagers at their doorsteps allows authorities to understand ground-level realities more effectively and identify issues that may otherwise remain unnoticed.
A Changing Picture of Chintagufa
The developments in Chintagufa represent the changing picture of several remote areas of Sukma. What was once primarily associated with Naxal influence and fear is gradually being presented as an area moving towards peace, development and stronger public participation.
The road ahead remains challenging, particularly in remote and previously conflict-affected regions. However, initiatives such as ‘Niva Duwad Te’ indicate an effort to combine security with development and dialogue.
By reaching communities directly, listening to their problems and connecting them with government mechanisms, the Sukma Police are attempting to strengthen the foundation of public trust.
The larger objective is not only to ensure security but also to create conditions in which rural communities can access basic services, welfare schemes and development opportunities without fear.
With security, dialogue, development and public participation emerging as key pillars of the approach, Chintagufa and other Naxal-affected areas of Sukma are gradually moving towards a new chapter—one defined by trust and hope rather than fear.
