Hidma Eulogy in Pune Hostel Event Sparks Concern Over Urban Naxal Influence on Tribals A Pune-based state social welfare department hostel recently became the center of controversy after students performed a dance to a song eulogizing slain Maoist commander Hidma. The event, part of a multi-day cultural festival, drew attention from authorities, including Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal, who oversees tribal-dominated Gadchiroli district. Jaiswal warned against the influence of "urban naxals" seeking to exploit tribal culture for political propaganda, emphasizing the need to protect "innocent minds" from Maoist narratives. According to sources, five of the students involved in the dance were from Gadchiroli, while one was from Chandrapur. Jaiswal stated that police would counsel the minors to distance them from Maoist influencers, who he claims weaponize tribal traditions to incite unrest. A senior official in the Maharashtra anti-Naxal apparatus confirmed that the event organizers are under police scrutiny. While Gadchiroli has been declared Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-free, Jaiswal highlighted lingering threats from "destructive forces" attempting to destabilize the region. The incident has reignited discussions about the broader challenge of Maoist influence in rural and tribal areas. Jaiswal, alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has been tasked with addressing the legacy of Maoist activity in Gadchiroli, which was once a hotbed of insurgency. He urged tribal communities to resist "false narratives" that could lead to self-destruction, stressing that the government has enacted legal measures to combat urban naxals.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli #ashish_jaiswal #maoist_commander_hidma #maharashtra_anti_naxal_apparatus
