Security forces now shift focus to South Gadchiroli

Nagpur: Six companies of 191 battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been redeployed in Etapalli division of southern Gadchiroli where Naxalites appear to be trying to revive their movement. Two companies of 37 battalion of CRPF have been shifted to Repanpalli and Rajaram Khanla while another two to Koti and Nargunda. The region, now turned into a fortress, serves as a corridor to Naxal stronghold of Abhujmadh spread across Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. Sources in the security forces said sweeping actions in last couple of years coupled with opening of more police posts in key strategic locations had left the Naxals in north Gadchiroli in a tight spot with most their dalams crippled. This has led to security forces now shifting focus to south with Etapalli as epicentre, said an official source.
The deployment plan would be revolving around central paramilitary forces. “District police would fill in the gaps and play a collaborative role,” said an official source. He added that 191 battalion of the CRPF, earlier stationed at Wadsa in Kurkheda division, would be now redistributed to different police posts of Kotmi, Hedri and Halewda in Etapalli division.
Kurkheda, Khobramenda and Korchi or KKK dalam of north Gadchiroli, formed after merging other outfits, has been left ineffectual after a number of encounters and surrenders. Naxals’ Company 4, another strong military formation of north, too lost its strength substantially. It is learnt Naxals too have shifted Company 4’s movements towards south where another formation of Company 10 is already present.
The deployment of security forces to Etapalli is also being viewed as a step to help Surjagarh iron ore project gain momentum that could change the socio-economic fabric of the place. Earlier, half a dozen police posts had been opened in Etapalli that strategically surrounded the Surjagarh hills from different directions forcing Naxals to shift their hideouts and dumps from these regions.
Naxals’ gun seized
Nagpur: Gadchiroli district police have seized a 12 bore rifle, 19 rucksacks and two radios among other material from the forest of Jadegaon in Potegaon following a exchange of fire with Naxals on Tuesday. Two Naxal formations, Chamorshi local organization squad (LOS) and Platoon 4, were present in the forest when security forces swooped down upon them. Sources said the Naxals were trying to arrange a meeting of the villagers about tendu leaves collection in the area when the encounter took place.