CRPF adopts two villages in Chhattisgarh state

Jashpur (Chhattisgarh), Jan.31 (ANI): With an increase in Maoists attacks, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has adopted two villages in Chhattisgarh state.

The 81st battalion of the CRPF has been deployed in Jakba and Lokhandi villages.

Officials say that the latest step to adopt villages has come as part of CRPF's operations.

"CRPF has started two types of operations. The first one is "Operation Green Hunt" which is to nab Maoists by raiding certain areas, and the second is, to adopt villages which are often affected by Maoist attacks," said Subhas Khunte, Commandant, 81st battalion, CRPF.

He further said that the adoption of villages is to get rid off the Maoists. More villages would be adopted in due course.

Garhatoli village residents say they face a severe electricity crunch, while villagers in Jakba are demanding the deepening of a pond. Lokhandi residents have raised no issue.

"CRPF has adopted Jakba village and they have asked us about our concerns. We had an electricity issue which affected the studies of children. They have assured us to solve this issue within 15 days," said Manohar Saay, a villager.

The Maoist rebellion began more than four decades ago with the objective of championing the cause of poor peasants in the Naxalbari area of West Bengal. Today, it has now spread to about 20 of India's 29 states, with the rebels targeting police and government property in hit-and-run attacks.

The Maoists are armed with sophisticated arms and ammunition, assault rifles and even communication tools.

Thousands have been killed in the Maoist insurgency, which began in the late 1960s.

On Wednesday (Jan.27), the Maoists had torched 19 vehicles, including trucks and excavators in the State's Dantewada district.

The Maoists claim they are fighting for the rights of the rural poor and landless and want to build a Communist state. (ANI)