Senior Maoist leader killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Tricolour hoisted for first time in Maoist stronghold Abujhmarh
Raipur: Independence Day 2025 carried a special significance in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region as two landmark events unfolded — the tricolour was hoisted for the first time deep inside Abujhmarh region, a Maoist stronghold, and a memorial dedicated to 460 fallen CRPF personnel was inaugurated along Bastar's Kondagaon district. For decades, the rugged and forested expanse of Abujhmarh was synonymous with Maoist influence, where state presence was minimal and public celebrations were nearly impossible. On Friday, however, the 133rd battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) broke new ground by organising Independence Day functions at Company Operating Bases (COBs) Garpa, Kandulnar, and Horadi, alongside the battalion headquarters in Sonpur. At these once-inaccessible villages, the tricolour fluttered high as local residents, women, children, and teachers gathered with BSF personnel to mark 79th Independence Day. Commandant Kamal Sharma of 133rd Battalion said the celebrations were "living proof that peace, unity, and development can triumph over fear and violence." He credited the cooperation of villagers and the gradual trust-building between security forces and locals for making such a historic moment possible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In another development in Kondagaon, 188th battalion of CRPF dedicated a permanent memorial to honour the supreme sacrifice of its 460 personnel who laid down their lives in Bastar while combating Maoist insurgency between 2003 and Aug 15, 2025. Constructed on a self-help basis, the CRPF Shaheed Smarak stands prominently on NH-30, outside the battalion camp, ensuring visibility for both locals and tourists. The memorial features the names of 20 gazetted officers, 44 subordinate officers, and 396 other ranks who made the ultimate sacrifice in counter-insurgency operations. Commandant Bhavesh Chaudhary of 188 Bn said the memorial will serve as "an enduring inspiration for future generations and a reminder of the CRPF's valour and commitment in the fight against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
CM vows to eliminate Maoism by March 2026, announces police Commissionerate system
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in his Independence Day address on Friday, pledged to eradicate Maoist insurgency from the Bastar region by March 31, 2026, and praised the efforts of security forces for their successful operations against the rebels in their strongholds. Speaking at the 79th Independence Day celebration at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur, he also announced that the Police Commissionerate system would soon be introduced in the state to further strengthen law enforcement. The CM highlighted the success of the government's aggressive anti-Naxal strategy, which combines intensive operations with a robust surrender policy. Since December 2023, over 450 Maoists have been neutralised, 1,578 arrested, and 1,589 surrendered. Prominent Maoist leaders, including Basavaraju and Sudhakar Reddy, were among those killed. Sai underscored the government's commitment to reaching the last mile, citing the transformation of Tadmetla, once the site of a deadly Maoist attack, into a hub of healthcare. The Chintagufa health centre now serves thousands and facilitates about 20 childbirths each month. With Maoist influence waning, 50 previously shut schools in Bastar have reopened, remote villages have gained electricity, and bank branches have opened in former insurgent zones like Pamed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Under the Niyad Nella Naar – Your Good Village scheme, 327 villages have received access to basic facilities, he said. The event also marked the inauguration of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav, commemorating 25 years of statehood. Paying tribute to freedom fighters like Shaheed Gend Singh, Veer Narayan Singh, and Veer Gundadhur, the CM called on citizens to embrace their legacy and work towards a prosperous Chhattisgarh. Sai also emphasised the state's role in PM Modi's 'Vocal for Local' initiative. He urged people to choose swadeshi products and called on MSMEs to ensure high quality and reduce import dependency. The government is actively promoting khadi, millets, pulses, and eco-friendly farming. Highlighting national defense, he praised the armed forces for safeguarding India's sovereignty, referencing operations from past wars with Pakistan to the recent Operation Sindoor in Pahalgam. On the housing front, the CM announced the approval of 18 lakh houses, including 34,000 for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and 15,000 for surrendered Maoists, under various central schemes. He said that in the education sector, the government plans to establish Education City and Science City in Nava Raipur, alongside the National Forensic Sciences University and National Institute of Electronics and IT. Skill development centers are also being set up across all 32 blocks of Bastar. A new startup policy aims to support 150 startups and engage 50,000 students across 100 technical institutes. The CM said that infrastructure development is also a major focus. The Bodhghat Multipurpose Project, with a ₹50,000 crore investment, will generate 200 MW of electricity and expand irrigation to 7 lakh hectares. Plans include new rail lines, expressways, and solar initiatives under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The state has attracted investment proposals worth over ₹6.65 lakh crore. Sai also highlighted women-centric schemes like the Mahatari Vandana Yojana, providing ₹1,000 per month to 70 lakh women, with over ₹11,700 crore already disbursed. The CM said that on the cultural front, the state will establish a Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, increase pensions for artists and writers, and promote Bastar tourism and homestays. Environmental initiatives include planting 3.5 crore saplings and expanding forest cover by 683 sq km under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. Concluding his address, CM Sai urged citizens to commit to building a self-reliant and developed Chhattisgarh, inspired by the ideals of leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. "With people's participation, we will surely achieve the goal of a developed Chhattisgarh and fulfill our vision for a free, prosperous, and self-reliant state," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Villager injured as gunfight breaks out between security forces and Maoists
Raipur: A villager was injured after he was hit by a bullet during a gunfight that broke out between Maoists and security forces on late Friday night in the forested area of Kohkameta village in Kondagaon district, Bastar division. The exchange of fire lasted several minutes. The villager is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at a hospital. Some country-made weapons, Maoist uniforms and literature were seized from the encounter site. According to Kondagaon SP Y Akshay Kumar, the encounter occurred during a joint anti-Naxal operation launched based on specific intelligence about Maoist activity in the Kanhargaon area. The operation involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Security forces reportedly came under heavy fire from a group of 10–12 armed Maoists who had set up an ambush in the forest. The Maoists, armed with automatic weapons, opened indiscriminate fire, allegedly intending to loot arms and target the security personnel. The joint forces retaliated, forcing the Maoists to retreat into the dense forest under the cover of darkness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo During the crossfire, a local villager who happened to be in the vicinity was accidentally hit by a bullet. He was quickly evacuated, first taken to a nearby medical facility, and later referred to Kondagaon district hospital for further treatment. In the follow-up search of the encounter site, security personnel recovered two country-made guns, Maoist uniforms, propaganda materials, backpacks, and medical supplies. Authorities believe these items indicate the Maoists had been camping in the area and were possibly preparing for a larger attack. SP Kumar added that the security forces have intensified combing operations in the forests of Kohkameta and Nalajhar to track down the fleeing Maoists. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
