The changing dynamics in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist heartland

Until a few years ago, no outsider had dared to enter Purvati village of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district—home of Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma and over three dozen other top Maoist cadres. There was no school, hospital, or even a gram panchayat building there. However, things are changing in the region now, thanks to a series of measures by the security forces and the district administration. A school is being built in the village and other amenities are being provided by the district administration with the help of security forces. This December 14, the village got its first television set since the product came to India in the late 1950s.