Encounter in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad, 6 Maoists killed
This takes the total number of Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh to 221 including 204 in Bastar region, this year so far, which is more than last year when 219 Maoists were killed in the state including 217 in Bastar region.
The encounter broke out in the afternoon in an undisclosed location in Abujhmad. Based on intelligence inputs, joint teams of security forces launched a search operation.
During the operation, intermittent encounters between the security forces and Maoists took place. 'So far, six bodies have been recovered. Weapons including AK 47 rifle and SLR rifle recovered so far. The dead Maoists are being identified,' said Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P.
'As the operation is still in progress, further details cannot be shared at this moment in order to ensure the safety of the personnel involved,' he added.
In June this year Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh to review the anti-maoist operations to ensure Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is eradicated from India by March 2026.
In his public speech, Shah had said, 'I want to say this to the people of Chhattisgarh before I go… Every year during the rainy season, Naxals used to get some rest. But this time, we will not allow them to sleep even during the rains, and will move forward to achieve our March 2026 goal.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
3 minutes ago
- Hans India
Madiga organisations protest against Karnataka's Congress govt over reservation
Bengaluru: The district units of the Madiga organisations staged a protest against the Congress-led government in Karnataka on Friday at the Freedom Park, demanding immediate implementation of internal reservation. The organisations held protests in front of the offices of all Deputy Commissioners across the state. Speaking on the occasion, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader, A. Narayanaswamy, declared that the Madiga community will no longer wait or bow to false promises. "We will not wait until the next election," he asserted. Narayanaswamy further warned that if the Congress-led government in Karnataka fails to implement internal reservation immediately, Madigas would launch a strong disobedience movement against the government. He stated that protests are being held today (Friday) across all districts of the state, cutting across party lines. 'This is not a BJP-led movement,' he clarified. He questioned whether the Karnataka government values its chair more than the people's issues. 'Is development more important for the government, or is it just holding onto power?' he asked. 'Justice has not been served to the Madigas. Our patience has run out. We can't wait any longer. If we take to the streets, we know how to send you home,' Narayanaswamy warned. He also criticised the Chief Secretary for not holding a meeting when requested to discuss the injustices faced by Madigas since 1976. 'A reservation should not be given based only on population. The injustice faced by our community for over 40 years must be considered. If a higher reservation is not given based on decades of oppression, the Madiga community will be forced to launch an intense agitation,' he warned. He demanded that all past dues be cleared. 'If old promises are not fulfilled, we will organise an intense struggle,' he stated. Narayanswamy noted that protests are being held today in front of the Deputy Commissioners' offices in 26 districts, calling it a reflection of the awakening of the Madiga community. 'We want to remind many MLAs in this state that it would have been impossible for them to win without the Madiga vote,' he said. He criticised elected representatives who had won with Madiga votes but have now fallen silent. 'You don't speak for the Madigas, yet you have the audacity to come and ask for our votes?' he questioned. 'Is there any law in this country that says Madigas should not get reservations?' he asked. 'During Zilla Panchayat and other local body elections, they keep saying 'tomorrow, tomorrow' when it comes to reservation. You had the power to suspend the Constitution and declare an Emergency to retain your position as Prime Minister. But for the Dalit Madigas of this state and country, injustice has continued even after Independence. Many Madiga students are unable to pursue MBBS due to a lack of money. Do you even understand all this?' he questioned the Congress party. Narayanswamy questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's commitment to socialism. 'The CM claims to be a socialist who delivers justice to all. Then what is he the champion of?' he asked. He criticised that not even a single scheme has been given to the backward Madigas in any sector. 'Where is your socialism?' he asked pointedly. He declared that this is not just a disobedience movement — it will become a movement to unseat the government. He thanked everyone who participated in the protest. BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu, BJP state spokesperson H. Venkatesh Dodderi, BJP SC Morcha state vice-president Hoodi Manjunath, community leaders, and office-bearers of various organisations were present.
Indian Express
33 minutes ago
- Indian Express
At 3rd edition of Meghalaya Pineapple Festival in Delhi, MoUs signed with Reliance, Amazon units
The third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival was inaugurated on Friday at the Dilli Haat in New Delhi. Organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the festival aims to position the state's agricultural growth story in the national spotlight. The event was inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, along with senior officials from both the central and state governments. A key highlight of the event was the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) by the Government of Meghalaya with Reliance Fresh, Amazon Karigar, and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. These agreements are expected to scale up procurement, visibility, and national distribution of Meghalaya's agricultural products. 'The products of Meghalaya are almost fully organic. By marketing them well and adding value, you have shown, for the third year, that Meghalaya's products are truly special. Jackfruit, fruits, coffee, pineapple, mushrooms—everything is amazing,' said Chouhan. He added: 'Today, the air in Delhi feels filled with the fragrance of Meghalaya. The breeze, the atmosphere — everything is touched by the flavour of Meghalaya's pineapples. I already knew that Meghalaya produces very good pineapples. But after tasting them today, I couldn't stop eating! I have never tasted pineapples so juicy and sweet before. This sweetness in taste belongs to the soil of Meghalaya.' The Union Minister also commended the efforts of the Meghalaya Government and congratulated the farmers and the Chief Minister. 'On behalf of the Government of India, I assure you, Chief Minister ji, whenever Meghalaya calls, the Government of India and the Agriculture Ministry will always stand with you,' he said, while encouraging Delhi residents to visit the festival and experience the taste of Meghalaya's produce. The event also included the unveiling of Meghalaya's achievements in the agriculture sector, aligning with its Vision@2032 plan to transform the state into a $16 billion economy. The strategy outlines a five-year plan to enhance farm infrastructure, encourage crop diversification, improve processing and logistics, and raise farmers' incomes through market-based initiatives. 'This is the third edition of Meghalaya Pineapple Festival, and we are very happy that every year this is becoming bigger and better. More importantly, our farmers are getting the necessary exposure and the network they require and they truly deserve,' said Sangma. Briefing the Union Minister, Sangma shared: 'Our state produces around 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples every year, and a large share of this is consumed within the Northeast itself. Over the past few years, we have set up various fruit processing units to enable value addition—not just for pineapples, but also for turmeric, black pepper, and other produce, with the goal of meeting international packaging and quality standards. Our aim is to establish one such unit in each of the 55 blocks of the state, catering to the prominent value chains in the block.' He further added: 'The MoUs we have signed today will provide crucial logistics support and help distribute our products across the country. This initiative is not limited to Meghalaya alone—we want to connect fresh produce from across the Northeast to national and international markets.' Over the past three years, Meghalaya has developed more than 27 cold storages, eight processing hubs and logistics facilities, including mobile units and refrigerated trucks. In 2024, over 682 metric tonne of processed pineapples were exported to the EU, Gulf countries, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, more than 150 metric tonne were sold domestically in Indian metros through institutional partnerships. The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 features curated stalls from multiple farmer cooperatives, live tastings, value-added products, B2B networking, and cultural performances. Musicians from the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills, under the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP), will perform at Dilli Haat and India Gate during all three days of the event. A short film titled 'Meghalaya Agriculture & Horticulture' was also screened during the event to highlight the state's initiatives. The festival is open to the public daily from 11 AM to 8:45 PM until August 3 at Dilli Haat, INA. Entry is free.
The Hindu
33 minutes ago
- The Hindu
KSTA Secretariat march on August 2
Teachers under the aegis of Kerala School Teachers' Association (KSTA) will organise a march to the Secretariat and other district centres on Saturday seeking an end to the Union government's neglect of Kerala. The Secretariat march that will begin from the State Central Library will reach the Secretariat at 11 a.m. It will be inaugurated by Left Democratic Front convener T.P. Ramakrishnan. The KSTA protest will raise a series of demands, including correction of the Union government's 'anti-people policies, rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP), concerted effort for creating a new Kerala, strengthening pro-people alternative policies, kicking off pay revision procedures, and ensuring job security. It alleged that the NEP undermined the democratic and secular content of public education. Implementation of the NEP would have far-reaching consequences. The Chief Minister had announced that salary revision of employees will be done despite financial constraints, the association said, calling for speeding up salary revision, sanctioning DA, and ensuring job security. It called for joint efforts to address issues related to teachers' service-salary conditions.
