Bastar: A six-month-old girl was killed in crossfire between Maoists and security forces in Bastar region on Monday, police said.
The child’s mother and two District Reserve Guards also sustained injuries as security personnel and a group of Maoists fired at each other, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sunderaj P said. The injured were taken to the hospital for medical assistance.
“On Monday evening at around 5 pm, a police-Maoist clash occurred in the jungles of Mutvandi under Gangalur police station in Bijapur district,” the IG said
Sunderaj said it seems that the woman was carrying the child when they were hit in the gunfire launched by Maoists “The woman was hit on her hand and that bullet hit the child. We will investigate the case ,” the IG said.
Chhattisgarh, nestled in the heart of India, grapples with the persistent challenge of Maoist activity. These armed rebels, inspired by communist ideology, operate in dense forests and remote villages, posing a security threat and hindering development in the region.
Security forces have intensified anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar– where Maoists are active — in the last two months with the number of operations increasing from two in September and October each to 12 in November and nine operations in December.
Maoists tap into historical injustices faced by tribal communities, such as land alienation and marginalization, fueling resentment and garnering recruits. Using hit-and-run attacks, ambush tactics, and improvised explosive devices, they target security forces and vital infrastructure, disrupting normalcy. Through intimidation and violence, they extort money from locals and exert control over resource-rich areas, hindering legitimate economic activity.
Eradicating Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses security concerns, social injustices, and economic disparities. Only through sustained efforts and unwavering commitment can the region achieve lasting peace and prosperity.
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