Chhattisgarh Bijapur Blast Claims Lives of Five Former Naxalites in Police Force

In a tragic incident in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, eight security personnel and a civilian driver lost their lives in a Maoist attack. Among the deceased, five were former Naxalites who had joined the police force after surrendering. This attack, which occurred near Ambeli village, marks the most significant assault on security forces in the state in two years.

The District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police, suffered casualties in this ambush. The DRG recruits local youth and surrendered Naxals from the Bastar division, making it a key anti-Naxal force. These personnel are often referred to as "sons of soil" due to their local origins and commitment to fighting extremism.

Focus on Local Recruitment

The DRG was established over several years across seven districts in Bastar, covering approximately 40,000 square kilometres. It began in Kanker and Narayanpur districts in 2008 and expanded to Bijapur and Bastar districts by 2013. Further expansions included Sukma and Kondagaon in 2014 and Dantewada in 2015.

Inspector General of Police Bastar range Sundarraj P highlighted that Head Constable Budhram Korsa and Constables Dumma Markam, Pandaru Ram, Baman Sodhi, and Somdu Vetti were once active Naxalites. They later joined the police after surrendering. Korsa and Sodhi were from Bijapur district, while the others hailed from Dantewada.

Efforts to Combat Extremism

The Bastar Fighters unit was formed in 2022 to recruit local youth familiar with the region's culture, language, and terrain. This initiative aims to strengthen ties with tribal communities while enhancing security operations against Naxal activities.

Last year saw 792 Naxalites surrendering in the Bastar region, which comprises seven districts. This reflects ongoing efforts to combat Left Wing Extremism that has persisted for over four decades in the area.

The DRG's establishment was a strategic move to address the challenges posed by Naxalism. By recruiting locals who understand the terrain and community dynamics, authorities aim to create a more effective response force.

This recent attack underscores the ongoing threat posed by Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and strategic measures to ensure the safety of security personnel and civilians alike.