Maoist-Affected Families Meet Home Minister Amit Shah, Demand Action Against Maoist Violence in Bastar

 

Over 50 residents from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, affected by Maoist violence, met with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the severe impact of Maoist terrorism on their lives.

 

The group, consisting of victims who have endured decades of violence, shared their personal stories of suffering, loss, and constant fear due to Maoist terrorism.

 

Among those who spoke was 18-year-old Guddu Ram Lekam, a victim of an IED blast on March 28, 2024, in Kachilvaar village, Bijapur district. Guddu was grazing cattle with friends when he accidentally stepped on the explosive device.

 

 

The blast severely injured him, shattering his left leg, which later had to be amputated at the knee. Once an active young man, Guddu is now confined to his home, his life drastically altered by the Maoist attack intended for security forces.

 

His tragic story highlights the indiscriminate nature of the violence and its devastating effects on civilians.

 

The people of Bastar have been battling the Maoist terrorism for over four decades. According to their statements, the violence has not only claimed thousands of lives but also caused irreparable physical and emotional harm to the local population.

 

The group highlighted that more than 8,000 villagers have been killed in Maoist-related attacks over the last two and a half decades, leaving a deep scar on the region.

 

Many survivors, like Guddu Ram, are left disabled due to bomb blasts and landmine explosions, further crippling their ability to lead normal lives.

 

In their appeal to the Home Minister, the residents spoke about the challenges they face on a daily basis. "Maoist terrorism has made normal life impossible in Bastar.

 

Families have been torn apart, children have become orphans, and countless individuals have been disabled," they said. They emphasised the widespread mental trauma caused by living in constant fear of Maoist attacks.

 

The group also raised concerns about the role of urban supporters of Maoism, alleging that certain intellectuals provide indirect support to Maoist activities.

 

They urged strict action against these urban sympathisers, stating that the problem extends beyond the forests into urban areas where Maoism is shielded by such elements.

 

In their heartfelt plea, they called for the complete eradication of Maoist terrorism from Bastar, a land they hold sacred for its cultural and religious significance.