For the first time since Independence, the national flag was unfurled in Puvarti, a village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, formerly known as a Maoist base. The village, which served as a hub for Maoist activities and once operated a parallel government, now has a police camp set up by security forces aimed at weakening the morale of the Maoists.

"Puvarti, on the border of Sukma and Bijapur districts, is the native village of Hidma, a self-styled commander of the banned guerrilla group, and his successor Barsa Deva," revealed Inspector General of Police, CRPF, Mr. Rajesh Yadav, during their inspection.

Puvarti
Image : The Indian Express

During recent inspections, officials from the CRPF and state police found security arrangements in the village, including surveillance installations. The village, which had a pond and farms, served as a training ground for Maoists and a meeting place where they recruited young villagers from nearby settlements.

"The findings provided an insight into how the banned group functioned and carried out heinous attacks on security personnel," stated Mr. Anil Kumar, a state police official.

"A rest house in the village, which previously functioned as a school, has now been converted into a security camp, symbolizing a significant setback for the Maoists," added Mr. Praveen Sharma, a senior officer from the CRPF. Security forces have set up seven camps in the area recently, drastically changing the situation that was previously considered too risky for law enforcement.

These new camps help police react faster to Maoist movements, which is important after the recent attack on the Tekalguda police camp where 3 CRPF soldiers died and many others got hurt on January 30th.

In a meeting with Hidma's mother, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, the Sukma Superintendent of Police, assured support to the villagers and urged them not to get involved in Maoist activities. He said that the benefits of government schemes would be extended to the villagers. He further added that village development is only possible with the cooperation of villagers.

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