Sal forests will be freed from Naxalism, peace will be restored: Chief Minister Mr. Baghel

With the policy of development, trust and security, Naxalism in Bastar has been contained to a few areas

TNINS 

On the occasion of Jhiram Valley Martyrdom Day, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel paid tribute to the martyrs of Jhiram Valley by offering flowers at Jhiram Memorial in Lalbagh, Jagdalpur today. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that sacrifices of the martyrs against Naxalism will not go in vain, Sal forests of Bastar region will be freed from Naxalism and peace will be restored here once.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel and the public representatives present on the occasion observed silence for two minutes in the honour of the martyrs of Jhiram. Mr. Baghel also administered an oath to all those present to make the state an island of peace once again. On the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel met the families of the martyrs of Jhiram Valley and presented them with shawl-shreefal.

In his address, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that it has been ten years since the Jhiram Valley incident. Every year we pay homage to the martyrs of Jhiram on May 25, commemorating the martyrs and their sacrifices. Those who survived and saw the incident with their own eyes, describe it as terrifying and painful. Chief Minister Baghel said that the leaders who were martyred in this incident used to talk about the need to bring positive change in the lives of farmers, tribals, youth and women. Those leaders, who were determined to bring transformation in the lives of people, are no longer with us. They were martyred in Jhiram.

Recalling the Jhiram incident, Chief Minister said that when the naxals attacked the convoy, our Rajya Sabha member Mrs. Phulo Devi Netam faced the attackers with a brave face, asking them to stop the atrocity on civilians. When naxalites besetted our leaders,  Martyr Mahendra Karma came out and asked the Naxalites to stop killing innocent people. He said- "Your enmity is with me. So I surrender. I am Bastar Tiger, I am Mahendra Karma". Mahendra Karma did not apologise, he sacrificed his life for Bastar, for the state, for democracy, for all of us.

Chief Minister further said that we are consistently working towards attaining the goal of Parivartan Yatra, and to fulfill the dreams of our leaders. With the policy of development, trust and security, we have contained the Naxalites to a few areas only. He said that we have ensured the development of Bastar with our plans and policies. We have accelerated education, health, conservation of tribal culture and other development works.

On the tenth anniversary of Jhiram Valley Martyrdom Day, Industries Minister Mr. Kawasi Lakhma, Lok Sabha Constituency Bastar MP Mr. Deepak Baij, Chairman of Bastar Development Authority Mr. Lakheshwar Baghel, Vice President Mr. Vikram Mandavi, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Rekhchand Jain, MLA Mr. Mohan Markam, Mrs. Sangeeta Sinha, Mr. Chandan Kashyap, Mayor Jagdalpur Mrs. Safira Sahu, Chairperson of Municipality Mrs. Kavita Sahu, Vice Chairman of Indravati Basin Development Authority Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Commissioner Mr. Shyam Dhawde, IG Mr. Sundarraj P, Collector Mr. Vijay Dayaram K., Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Jitendra Meena and other public representatives also paid tribute to the martyrs.

Chief Minister met the families of the martyrs

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel met the families of the martyrs, after paying homage to the martyrs of Jhiram Valley. He honored the family members by presenting shawl-shreefal. Chief Minister became emotional while interacting with the families of the martyrs. Chief Minister asked them about their well being and told the family members that the sacrifice will not go in vain. Chhattisgarh government is with you every step of the way.