Naxal threat looms over 1,083 polling stations in Maharashtra

30 people killed by Naxalites in last 5 Years, including 3 Policemen

– By Pritam Nachankar, Mumbai

Mumbai – The fear of Naxalites looms over 1,083 polling stations in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and Gondia Districts. Since 2020, Naxalites in the State’s affected areas have carried out a total of 51 attacks, resulting in the killing of 30 people, including 3 Policemen. In these attacks, 44 Police personnel were injured. This information has been revealed in a confidential report submitted by the State Home Department to the State Government ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The confidential report from the Home Department highlights Naxal activities in connection with the forthcoming State Assembly elections. According to the report, 972 polling stations in the constituencies of Armori, Gadchiroli, and Aheri in Gadchiroli District, and 111 polling stations in Arjuni Morgaon and Amgaon in Gondia District, are under the threat of Naxal attacks. Since 2020, Naxalites have conducted 12 arson attacks in the State’s affected areas.

🚨MAHARASHTRA ON HIGH ALERT!

1,083 polling stations under #NaxaliteThreat

🛑Past 5 years: 30 lives lost, including 3 police officers

CM Eknath Shinde vows to intensify action against #Naxalites

👉Complete eradication of #Naxalism is the only solution to lift fear from the… pic.twitter.com/3bK1rsqhQx

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 24, 2024

Attacks during the Election Code of Conduct

For many years, Naxalites have created fear among citizens in the affected areas through attacks during the imposition of election code of conduct. In 2019, during the period of election code of conduct for Lok Sabha, Naxalites killed 4 people, including a Policeman. Naxalites also conducted arson attacks at 6 locations during this period. In these attacks, 12 people were seriously injured. During the 2019 Assembly election code of conduct, Naxalites killed one person and conducted arson attack at one location, leaving 4 people seriously injured.

Strong Police Action

In 5 Years, 87 Naxalites killed, 136 arrested

The Police have taken strong action against the Naxalites. Since 2020, Police have eliminated 87 hardcore Naxalites while arresting 136. Over the past 5 years, 31 Naxalites have surrendered.

Action against Naxalites to be intensified : Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister

To combat Naxalism, the establishment of a ‘Special Task Force’ and ‘Special Intelligence Bureau’ is underway, along with the construction of ‘Fortified Police Stations.’ These projects will be completed by March 2025, with an expenditure of Rs 61.35 crore. Additionally, 25 Police Officers and 500 personnel will be appointed for the new Police stations in Naxal-affected areas. The State Government has also sought permission from the Union Government to allow helicopter landings at night for anti-Naxal operations.

After the recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared this information. He also stated that action against Naxalites will intensify over the next two years.

Editorial Perspective

The fear of Naxalism will be relieved only when it is completely eradicated. Keeping this in mind, the Police and the Government should work diligently towards it.