Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel recently announced that as many as 650 villages in the state have been released from the control of Naxals, a communist armed struggle group. Baghel said that progress, trust, and security measures have contributed to the Naxal insurgency decline.
According to Baghel, the recruitment of Naxals has also undergone a massive reduction. His remarks came after he chaired a meeting of the Unified Command in Raipur that was attended by top officials from both the state and the center.
The meeting discussed measures taken to combat Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. Previously, camps were opened in buffer zones, but now, core areas are being covered. For example, 23 camps have already been opened in the Sukma district.
In addition to hindering Naxal recruitment, the CM said that initiatives such as allocating patta to tribal people in the Abujhmad area and developing schools, roads, and bridges have contributed to an increase in people’s income whilst leading to opportunities in education, health, and employment. In short, education, employment, and better-quality life measures have pushed people away from the Naxal insurgency.
Baghel also discussed how the relationship between the police and common villagers has improved in the Bastar district. The healthcare departments at the camps provide medical assistance to villagers, and security personnel conduct classes for children.
The CM acknowledged that Naxals are gradually using more advanced weaponry such as drones. As such, his government is conducting discussions with officials to address the issue.
Finally, CM Baghel also highlighted that over 75 camps have been established in insurgency-hit districts to ensure the safety of politicians and political parties in light of the coming elections.
Overall, Baghel’s announcement signifies progress in the fight against Naxals in Chhattisgarh, and the government’s efforts to ensure a better quality of life for people in the state.
