In Raipur, Maoists have issued an apology for the deaths of two tribal children, Kovasi Hidma and Gadhia Kunjam, who were killed in IED blasts in Bastar division earlier this year. The insurgents claimed the devices were intended to target security personnel, and they had issued warnings to villagers not to approach the areas where the IEDs were planted.
Mohan, Secretary of the Maoists’ ‘West Bastar Division Committee’, expressed regret over the tragic incident in Mudvendi village, Bijapur district. The statement apologized to the families of the deceased and attributed the explosions to the intensified anti-Naxal operations and the proliferation of police camps in the region. The Maoists suggested that these factors have led to increased risks and casualties from such blasts.
Bastar police, however, dismissed the Maoists’ claims, pointing out that shifting blame onto security forces is a common tactic. According to police, Maoists often target innocent villagers, label them as informers, and subject them to violence. They also criticized the insurgents for planting IEDs without regard for the safety of civilians, including children and livestock.
Additionally, the Maoists alleged that 80 innocent tribals have been killed in ‘fake encounters’ in various Bastar villages under the previous BJP government. The ongoing conflict between the Maoists and security forces continues to contribute to the region’s instability.