Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-Hit Sukma Village Gets First Mobile Tower:

In a historic breakthrough, a remote village in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, has received its first-ever mobile phone tower, bringing long-awaited cellular connectivity to an area once considered a hotbed of Naxal violence.

Installed on March 13, the BSNL mobile tower was set up inside a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Tekulagudem village. The milestone was marked with festive celebrations ahead of Holi, making it a moment of transformation for the region.

A New Chapter for Tekulagudem and Nearby Villages

Tekulagudem is located in the interiors of Sukma, near the border with Bijapur, another Naxal-affected region in the Bastar belt.

A senior CRPF official told PTI:

"This is the first mobile tower in this region. It will provide much-needed connectivity to villagers and security forces."

Why is this significant?
First-ever mobile connectivity in one of the most violence-hit regions.
Better communication for locals & security personnel.
Enhanced access to emergency services, banking, and education.

Mobile Tower Installed on Holi: Connectivity and Celebrations

BSNL officials traveled over 600 km from Sukma to Raipur to operationalize the tower.

To mark the occasion:
A special SIM card distribution camp was set up.
Locals were invited to activate their new connections.

The tower will benefit villagers in Tekulagudem and nearby hamlets like Timmapuram, Jonaguda, and Puvarti.

Puvarti is the home village of Hidma, the most-wanted Maoist commander leading the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army's first battalion.

Tekulagudem: A Crucial Base in the Fight Against Naxalism

Tekulagudem was one of the first locations where the CRPF established a forward operating base (FOB) in January 2023 as part of the Union Government's mission to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026.

On the day of the FOB’s establishment, a major Naxal attack took place:

Three CRPF personnel were martyred.
Fifteen security personnel were injured.
A fierce encounter ensued as Naxals attacked from multiple directions.

To counter the ambush, the CRPF deployed its newly inducted Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform (WHAP), led by Commander Seikholen Haokip.

As a recognition of their bravery in securing the region, 15 CRPF personnel have been recommended for gallantry medals.

What This Means for the Region

Improved security – Better communication for forces combating Naxal violence.
Access to government services – Banking, telemedicine, education, and emergency response will become accessible.
Economic development – Connectivity can open doors for small businesses and digital literacy.

With Tekulagudem now connected to the outside world, the move signals a major step forward in reclaiming Naxal-affected areas for progress and development.