Surguja (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 17 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that a uniformed Naxal was killed during a search operation by security forces in Bijapur district on July 6. 

Speaking to reporters, Deputy CM Sharma said that search operations were ongoing in several parts of the district.

‘Search operations are going on. Union Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly appealed to those who carry weapons and obstruct development to join the mainstream... A uniform-bearing Naxal was killed during an encounter in Bijapur on July 6,’ he said.

Earlier, on July 5, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had expressed optimism that the state would soon be free from Naxal violence and that affected areas would be equipped with essential infrastructure, including roads and electricity.

‘Our state is rich in every sense. About 44% of the land is forested. The soil is fertile, and our farmers are hardworking. Naxalism was a major obstacle to our progress, but we are overcoming it. For those Naxals who have surrendered, we have designed an excellent rehabilitation policy. Soon, Chhattisgarh will be free from Naxal violence, and regions like Bastar will have roads, electricity, drinking water, and all basic amenities,’ said CM Sai.

On the same day, a police official reported that a Naxal was killed in an encounter with the Dantewada–Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the forested area of Indravati National Park, located along the Bijapur–Dantewada border.

The Chhattisgarh and central governments had launched an intensified anti-Naxal campaign on July 1, aiming to eliminate Naxalism from the state by March 2026.

As part of this effort, Chhattisgarh’s new Naxal rehabilitation policy includes provisions to secure the future of surrendered Naxalites. Under the initiative, surrendered Naxals are being trained at district-level Livelihood Colleges based on their individual skills. After completing the training, they are eligible for a monthly allowance of INR 10,000 for three years to support their employment or self-employment.

Special training camps are being run through the Livelihood College at Narayanpur district headquarters, where former Naxalites are receiving skill development training. Many of those undergoing training have expressed satisfaction with their current lives and regret over their past, as they work toward becoming self-reliant and supporting their families.

(ANI)