Raipur, Jan 26 (Inditop.com) Defying the Maoist call to boycott Republic Day celebrations, thousands of people gathered here Tuesday when Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt hoisted the national flag. Dutt assured the people that the government is taking all steps to end leftist violence in the state.
“People and police personnel’s sacrifices will not go waste, the government is taking all possible steps to end Naxal (Maoist) violence in the state,” Dutt said in a 20-minute speech at Police Parade ground after unfurling the tricolour.
He said: “To end the black chapter of Maoist violence in the state, besides government’s efforts, people’s active and continuous support is also very vital.”
“It’s a welcome sign that people of Chhattisgarh too have stood up against the violence and conspiracy of Naxalites who reject democracy and the Constitution,” the governor remarked in his 13-page speech amid clapping by a gathering of about 10,000 people.
A show by 15 sniffer dogs trained at Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC), Kanker, was the star attraction at the state’s main Republic Day function at capital Raipur.
Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the national flag at Jagdalpur, headquarters of restive Bastar region spanning over some 40,000 sq km area that witnessed a string of deadly Maoist attacks in recent years.
Singh said in his brief speech: “The end of Naxal violence and terrorism is must for the development of insurgency-hit areas.”
