Union home minister Amit Shah has praised the security forces in Chhattisgarh for their efforts in combating Maoists, highlighting their successful operations in the state’s Kanker region where 29 Maoists were killed in a recent gunbattle. He emphasized the progress made in curbing Maoist activities since 2014 and announced that at least 250 camps had been set up in the state since 2019.
Efforts to Curb Maoist Influence
Amit Shah commended the security forces’ achievements in recent anti-Maoist operations and attributed the success to continuous efforts by the BJP government to combat Naxalism and terrorism. He noted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government has intensified its efforts against these challenges.
Successes and Achievements
According to Amit Shah, in the period following the formation of the current government, the security forces in Chhattisgarh have killed over 80 Maoists, arrested more than 125, and have seen over 150 Maoists surrender. The presence of 250 camps across the state since 2019 has played a significant role in these achievements.
Social Media Praise and Well-Wishes
Shah took to the social media platform X to acknowledge the bravery and efforts of the security forces involved in the recent operation. He also expressed hope for the quick recovery of injured policemen.
Advancing Towards a Maoist-Free India
The home minister stated that the Maoists were now confined to a smaller area in Chhattisgarh, a result of the government’s offensive strategy against the rebels. He expressed confidence that the state and, eventually, the entire country would be completely Naxal-free.
Gunbattle and Operation Details
The recent gunbattle took place near Binagunda village in Kanker, where a joint team of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard conducted an anti-Maoist operation. The BSF team faced gunfire from CPI Maoist cadres and effectively retaliated. One BSF personnel sustained a bullet injury on his leg but is out of danger after receiving medical attention.
Elections in the Maoist-Hit Region
The Maoist-affected Bastar Lok Sabha seat will hold its elections on April 19, while Kanker, part of the Bastar region, will vote in the second phase of elections on April 26. These elections come amid ongoing efforts to curb Maoist influence and maintain security in the region.