Four Maoists and a Police Officer Die in Clash in Bastar, Chhattisgarh
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New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) In a recent confrontation with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, at least four Maoists have been reported dead, according to an official statement made on Sunday. Additionally, a jawan has also lost his life in this incident.
The deceased officer, a head constable from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), identified as Sannu Karam, was killed during the encounter that erupted on Saturday evening within a forest in the southern area of Abujhmaad.
The clash commenced while a coordinated team of security personnel was engaged in an anti-Maoist operation, as stated by the official.
Once the shooting ceased, the corpses of four Maoists were located at the scene. The security forces managed to recover several automatic firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a self-loading rifle (SLR).
Authorities confirmed that a search operation is currently ongoing in the vicinity.
Further details are still awaited.
This incident follows a recent visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh, where he spoke to a gathering of surrendered Maoists. The Home Minister assured them that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strive to facilitate their rehabilitation. He highlighted the government's dedication to assisting those impacted by violence and called for joint efforts to eradicate Maoism from the area. He encouraged the surrendered Maoists to help persuade others to give up arms.
During his address, Home Minister Shah remarked that when he took on the responsibilities of the Home Ministry in 2019, he believed that individuals involved in armed struggles should have the opportunity to renounce violence, surrender, and live in peace. He stated, "As a result of our efforts, 20 peace agreements were established in the northeast, and 9,000 militants surrendered." He also mentioned that PM Modi had approved the construction of 15,000 homes for surrendered Maoists under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while the National Dairy Development Board aims to provide at least one cow or buffalo to these families to help them earn between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month.
On the ongoing battle against Maoists in Bastar, Shah expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the past year but emphasized that violence is not a viable solution. He stated, "Those wielding weapons need to be integrated into society. Therefore, I have advised the Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, to devise the most effective Naxal rehabilitation policy that can be implemented across India. This policy will be finalized in a few days and shared with other states, aiming to enhance the lives of Naxals who surrendered even a decade ago and to strengthen their families."
In the year 2024, security forces in Chhattisgarh have reportedly eliminated more than 200 Maoists, apprehended over 800 individuals, and approximately 802 Maoists have surrendered.
