Chhattisgarh sees decline in Naxal violence in last one year

With the change of guard in Chhattisgarh, Left wing extremism has been on the decline in the state over the past one year with fewer deaths.

This data was provided by an officer associated with the Naxal operations in the state.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has consistently claimed to have an action plan to end the Naxalite problem.

He said, "To end Naxalism, development requires trust and security. People should have faith in government. I have returned the tribals their lands, gave them employment opportunities and have spent money under the District Mineral Foundation for their better health, education and nutrition. As a result of the government's efforts, there has been a 40 per cent reduction in Naxalite activities."

Fourteen districts Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon, Balod, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Balrampur and Kabirdham are affected by the Naxal violence. In these areas, Naxalites have targeted politic and influential people in the past.

The Bhupesh Baghel-led government launched a campaign to build trust among the citizens of the Naxal-affected region in the state, while on the other hand, efforts were made to surround the Naxalites through security forces.

From 166 incidents of police-Naxalite encounters in 2018, the number has come down to 112 incidents this year. Thus, there is a decline of 32.53 per cent, the data showed.

Similarly, 124 Naxalites were killed in encounters last year, while 77 Naxalites have been killed this year. Last year, 89 people lost their lives in various Naxalite incidents, while 46 civil lost their lives this year. Thus, there has been a decrease of 48.31 per cent in the number of dead civil this year as compared to the previous year.

This year 19 policemen were killed in Naxal-related incidents, while the figure was 53 last year. The number of martyred policemen has come down by 64.15 per cent this year, the data revealed.

There were 77 incidents of IED explosions last year and 41 this year.

This year, the incidence of IED explosions decreased by 46.75 per cent. There was a 56 to 25 per cent decrease in arms and robbery incidents.

State Inspector General of Police (Naxal Operation) Sundar Raj P. told , "The campaign of faith, development and security in Naxal-affected areas is yielding results. The Naxalite outfits have weakened. Police have got the support of the common man. The operational capability of the police has brought a big change."

( With inputs from IANS )