Ex-MLA Kunjam Claims Naxal Gold From Switzerland

Former tribal leader Manish Kunjam alleges the gold recovered from surrendered Naxalites in Chhattisgarh came from Swiss banks, not local funds, and questions the real aim behind their long-standing “jal-jungle-jameen” campaign.

Kunjam Speaks at Dantewada  

Former MLA from Konta in Sukma district and prominent tribal leader Manish Kunjam has made a sensational claim about the source of gold recovered from Naxalites. Addressing the media at the Dantewada Circuit House, Kunjam said the gold found with the extremists originated from Switzerland. He demanded that the state government launch a thorough probe into the foreign link.

Gold Haul From Recent Surrenders  

On March 31, the deadline set for ending Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, 25 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district. Police recovered more than seven kilograms of gold from them, valued at over ₹11 crore. Earlier, another 1.5 kg of gold was seized from Naxalites who surrendered in Jagdalpur. The recoveries have been described as one of the biggest hauls in recent anti-Naxal operations.

Naxal Gold From Switzerland  

Kunjam asserted that while local people may have provided some funds to the Naxalites, the gold itself reached them through foreign banks. “The gold recovered from Naxalites came from Switzerland. The money they got was from our own people, but the gold came from banks abroad,” he said. He urged authorities to trace the international trail without delay.

Real Motive Behind ‘Jal-Jungle-Jameen’  

The former MLA challenged the Naxalites’ decades-old slogan of protecting water, forests and land. According to him, saving hills, rivers and jungles was never their goal. “They talked about the fight for jal-jungle-jameen for years, but their real target was to hoist the red flag at the Red Fort,” Kunjam stated. He accused them of using the tribal cause only as a cover for larger political ambitions.

Mining Extortion Alleged  

Kunjam raised serious questions about mining activities in the region. He recalled how villagers in several districts had launched prolonged protests against mining in areas like Amdai and Raoghat. Despite the resistance, the mines became operational. He alleged that Naxalites started allowing mining only after receiving payments. “Rates were later hiked and extortion began,” he claimed.

Agents Delivered Crores  

The tribal leader said his team possesses evidence of large cash transfers. “Agents used to deliver crores of rupees to the Naxalites. Mining work began the moment the money reached them,” Kunjam revealed. He added that if payments were delayed, the Naxalites would trigger some incident to pressure the payers. He promised to make the evidence public at the appropriate time.

Impact on Anti-Naxal Campaign  

The claims come at a time when the Chhattisgarh government has intensified its drive against left-wing extremism. The March 31 surrenders and the massive recovery of gold and cash worth nearly ₹14 crore have boosted morale in security circles. Kunjam’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing operations, shifting focus towards possible foreign funding networks.

What Lies Ahead  

Security forces and the state administration are expected to examine Kunjam’s allegations closely. If verified, the Switzerland link could expose deeper international connections in the Naxal network. Tribal leaders and local communities are watching the government’s response, as the issue touches both development concerns and internal security. The coming days may see further statements from officials and possibly fresh investigations into the funding trail of Naxalites in Bastar.