Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 25 (HBTV): Hours after an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Sukma district claimed the life of an officer and injured others, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that security forces are carrying out a massive campaign against Naxalism and are achieving significant success.  

The Deputy Chief Minister also stated that the state government is committed to honouring the sacrifices of the brave personnel and is taking concrete steps to ensure compensation and support for the families of those killed in anti-Naxal operations.

The IED blast took place near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road on Monday. Deputy CM Sharma met the families of the officers and jawans injured in the explosion.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, ‘I was in Nagpur and while returning, I saw a social media post showing a group of people protesting with banners that read, "Naxalites ki suni gayi, hamari nai suni gayi." It was very sad. Security forces are carrying out a massive campaign against Naxalism and have been yielding success.’

He added, ‘The authorities are taking all steps to compensate the bereaved families of the deceased.’

Referring to the demands raised by the kin of the martyrs, Sharma noted, ‘There were two main demands — a house under the PM Awas Yojana and the installation of statues in memory of the martyrs. Houses are now being provided, and 26 statues have already been installed. More will follow.’

Meanwhile, another IED was recovered from the same location in Sukma where Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje was killed in Monday’s Naxal-triggered blast. Sukma police said the bomb disposal squad destroyed the device on the spot.

Earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the blast and reiterated that ASP Giripunje’s sacrifice would not go in vain. CM Sai also visited the officer’s residence in Raipur on Monday to meet his family.

‘We pay tribute to ASP Akash Rao Giripunje. The Naxals are doing this as they are rattled. His sacrifice will not go in vain. The Naxals are taking their last breath and doing all this in frustration. We condemn this incident. May his family get the strength to bear this loss. Those injured will be brought to Raipur for the best medical treatment,’ CM Sai said.

He added, ‘A reputed Additional SP has lost his life due to the IED blast. This is very sad news. ASP Akash Rao Giripunje's sacrifice will not go in vain, and the Naxals will have to pay a price for this cowardly act. The Naxals will get a befitting reply for this.’

Inspector General (IG) Sundarraj also confirmed in a statement: ‘A pressure IED blast occurred near Dondra on the Konta–Errabora road. ASP Konta Division, District Sukma, Akash Rao Giripunje sustained serious injuries. Some other officers and jawans were also injured in the pressure IED blast.’

According to IG Sundarraj, ASP Giripunje was on a foot patrol to prevent any Naxalite activity following a Bharat Bandh call by the CPI (M) on June 10. He added that all injured personnel are receiving treatment at Konta Hospital.

(ANI)