A flag goes up: After the Naxals moved out

Hunga Muchaki, a former Maoist commander, now demands basic amenities from the State. In his Kondapalli village, once a stronghold of the Maoists, he lists his needs: a borewell for irrigation, a pond, land rights, and a nearby doctor. Before surrendering and opening a kirana store, Muchaki resisted government intervention but is now unapologetic about his demands.

The CRPF established a forward base in Kondapalli in November 2024, marking the end of a decades-long Maoist insurgency in the region. The village, part of Chhattisgarh's Red Corridor, saw a shift in the balance of power as government forces moved in, replacing the Maoists' presence. Muchaki, now 28, had joined the Maoists' children's wing and cultural troupe at a young age, feeling pressured by his village to join the armed group.

He eventually surrendered with 12 others in March 2025, receiving funds for rehabilitation. While the Maoists ruled with an iron hand, offering land redistribution and basic infrastructure, residents now appreciate the perceived safety and the government's development initiatives.