Did Security Forces Just Deal a Major Blow to Maoists in Chhattisgarh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four Maoist memorials were demolished in Bijapur district.
- The operation was conducted by DRG and CRPF forces.
- The demolition undermines Maoist propaganda efforts.
- Local villagers expressed relief and support for the action.
- Similar operations will continue to target Maoist infrastructure.
Raipur/Bijapur, Nov 27 (NationPress) In a significant setback to the Maoist propaganda apparatus, the Basaguda police station, in collaboration with security forces, on Thursday, obliterated four Naxalite memorials hidden deep within the forests of Bijapur district.
Based on precise intelligence, a coordinated operation was conducted in the early hours by a team comprising DRG (District Reserve Guard) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel.
According to police officials, three Maoist memorials in the dense woods of Guttum village and one in Nendra village were completely demolished.
These concrete structures, referred to as “shaheed stambhs” by Maoist operatives, were erected by CPI (Maoist) to honor their deceased members, instill fear among local residents, and disseminate their ideology while creating a climate of intimidation in the area.
“These unauthorized memorials served as tools for the Maoists to psychologically dominate villagers and enlist new members. Their destruction conveys a powerful message that security forces are now in command of these previously Maoist-dominated territories,” a senior police officer remarked post-operation.
This initiative is part of an ongoing intensified anti-Maoist campaign across south Bastar, where security forces have been systematically targeting Maoist assets, including camps, arms caches, and propaganda materials.
Local residents have expressed their approval of this development, indicating that such memorials coerced them into participating in Maoist events.
Police authorities affirmed that operations aimed at locating and demolishing any remaining Maoist memorials across Bijapur district will persist in the forthcoming days.
This demolition effort is viewed as a crucial step in diminishing the waning Maoist influence in the region, coinciding with significant surrenders and neutralizations occurring in the area.
The operation on Thursday concluded without any gunfire reported. Following the successful demolition of these four memorials, security forces have intensified their dominance and search operations in the Gangaloor-Basaguda area.