Significant decline in Naxals’ number in State

Date :07-Jul-2019

Bodies of 10 Maoist rebels and huge cache of weapons recovered by security forces after an encounter in insurgency-hit Bijapur on Feb 7 this year. (The Hitavada photo archives)

Staff Reporter:

RAIPUR

Extensive anti-nNaxal operations coupled with meticulous planning and surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy of Chhattisgarh Government has resulted in significant decline in number of Maoists cadres across insurgency-hit districts in the State. In past few years, large number of Maoists were gunned down, arrested and surrendered to join mainstream of the society.

“Number of Naxals in last few years has declined significantly and areas under Maoists dominance are also shrinking. Around 370 ultras including dreaded cadres were neutralised between 2016 and 6 July 2017 but there is a huge possibility of more casualty on Naxal side,” Director General of Police (DGP) D M Awasthi said. As per available information, as many as 370 cadres of banned organisation were killed in around 635 encounters took place in Naxal-hit districts between 2016 and July 6, 2017. Impressed by the surrendered and rehabilitation policy of government, around 2205 Naxals have quit red-movement in the aforementioned time period.

However, 179 security personnel were martyred and 234 civilians have lost their lives in naxal incidents and 66 weapons were looted, massive operations led to the arrest of 3,394 ultras and recovery of around 900 weapons including automated firearms. By launching de-mining operation, forces have prevented large number of Naxal incidents by recovering 935 mines. Of 900 weapons seized by police in last few years, include 10 AK-47, 15 Self Loaded Rifles, 25 Insas, one Insas LMG, three G-3 Rifle/Thompson sub machine guns, two carbines, three country-made mortars, two rocket launchers and others.