At least 12 Naxalites were killed and two security personnel injured in an encounter with police and commandos in Gadchiroli district
12 Naxals Killed In Encounter With Police
At least 12 Naxalites were killed and two security personnel injured in an encounter with police and commandos in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra near the Chhattisgarh border on Wednesday, officials said. The heavy exchange of fire broke out in the afternoon between C60 commandos and Naxals in Wandoli village and continued for six hours, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Nilotpal said.
Police have recovered 12 bodies of Maoists from the spot besides seven automotive weapons, including 3 AK-47s, 2 INSAS rifles, a carbine and an SLR, he said. One of the slain Naxals was identified as DVCM Laxman Atram alias Vishal Atram, incharge of Tipagad Dalam.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, announced a cash reward of Rs 51 lakh for the C-60 commandos and Gadchiroli Police for the operation. As per sources in Gadchiroli police, 137 Naxalites were killed in encounters with police from 2017 till August 31, 2022. These numbers stood at 50 in 2018 and 49 in 2021.
Naxalism in India
The term Naxalism derives its name from the village Naxalbari of West Bengal.
It originated as rebellion against local landlords who bashed a peasant over a land dispute. The rebellion was initiated in 1967, with an objective of rightful redistribution of the land to working peasants under the leadership of Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal.
Operation Green Hunt
It was started in 2010 and massive deployment of security forces was done in the naxal-affected areas.
What is Maharashtra’s new bill to combat Naxalism in urban areas
The BJP-led Maha Yuti government tabled the ‘Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024’ on Thursday which aims to curb Naxalism in urban areas.
‘Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024’ bill will give several powers to the government and the police machinery in combating unlawful activities. Additionally, the bill says that “any action which constitutes a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquility or interferes or tends to interfere with maintenance of public order or interferes or tends to interfere with administration of law or its established institutions and personnel will be considered as unlawful activity.”
What is the jail term in the new bill
When the bill is passed, association with an unlawful organisation will see a jail term from three to seven years and a fine of Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh.
