Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the killing of 30 Naxals in State’s anti-Naxal operations in two separate encounters. He also declared a Rs 1 crore reward for villages declared free from Naxal violence. Speaking to media persons in the assembly premises on Friday, Sharma detailed the operations. During a search operation conducted by DRG Bijapur, STF, and DRG Sukma, Naxals opened fire at the security forces forcing the forces to retaliate, the firing which began at 7 am resulted in the death of 26 Naxals whose confirmation came by evening. Bodies of the deceased Naxals were recovered, and the identification procedures are underway. Additionally, four more Naxals were killed in an operation on the Kanker-Narayanpur border, stated the home minister. “Security forces achieved major success in the search operation conducted in highly Naxal-infested areas. Altogether 30 Naxals were killed in the encounter with security forces at both places, which is a significant achievement for the operation,” Sharma stated. “Security forces carried out this operation by surrounding the Naxal hideouts. During this, many explosives and weapons were also recovered.”

 

He also highlighted improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, noting that the route from Dantewada to Pamed, previously requiring a 250 km journey through Telangana, had been shortened to a direct 90 km route via Kondapalli. The bus running on this route has brought much relief to the people who are also quite positive about the development. Sharma also announced the reopening of the Garpa weekly market in Bijapur, which had been closed for 25 years. He said this initiative, along with the reopening of other markets, was boosting local trade and confidence. The government has also improved communication facilities by installing approximately 500 mobile towers between Dantewada and Aranpur. He added that an effective rehabilitation policy for surrendering Naxals had been approved, offering comprehensive support such as monthly assistance of Rs 10000, education for their children, housing and other essentials. “

 

The government has made the best surrender policy in the country, in which arrangements for living, food and rewards have been made for the surrendering Naxals,” Sharma explained. The new surrender policy has been approved by the Cabinet, and a committee has been established to verify the authenticity of surrendered Naxals. The government has also accepted the demands of families of martyrs to install statues of martyrs. To incentivize Naxal-free areas, the Deputy Chief Minister announced Rs 1 crore financial assistance for the development of Naxal-free panchayats. Sarpanchs of these Naxal-affected villages will be encouraged to convince Naxals to surrender by offering them the benefits of the new Surrender policy. Sharma also informed that the tender process for installing statues in memory of martyred soldiers has been completed at the demand of their families. Also, the government will take care of the children, whose both parents have been killed in Naxal violence.

 

The Government will also bear the complete academic expenses of such children from primary to higher education. “The government is writing a new story of development in Naxal-affected areas, which will change the picture of Bastar and bring peace and prosperity,” Sharma concluded. Probe disputes among docs, medical staff: Health and Family Welfare Department Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal on Friday announced in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly that he had directed Secretary and Commissioner of the Health Department to conduct a detailed investigation in connection with the disputes among doctors and medical staffs and In-charge Civil Surgeon at District Hospital Janjgir. Congress MLA Byas Kashyap raised the issue of misbehavior of In-charge Civil Surgeon of District Hospital Janjgir with his subordinate staffs through a call attention motion in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly today. Kashyap said in the

 

House that the In-charge Civil Surgeon had misbehaved with the staffs and he should be transferred. Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal informed the House that the In-charge Civil Surgeon of the District Hospital Janjgir had taken steps to enhance healthcare services. The Civil Surgeon had directed doctors to report to duty on time, which led to opposition from the medical staff. In protest, doctors and hospital staff conducted OPD services outside the hospital premises, he added. The minister assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out, and any party found guilty—whether the Civil Surgeon or the doctors—would face appropriate action within a week.