Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], February 22 (HBTV): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has opened a school in Tekalgudem on the Sukma-Bijapur border, an area severely affected by Naxal forces.

The Sukma-Bijapur border has long been a Naxal stronghold where many security personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2021, Naxals abducted CRPF constable Rakeshwar Singh Manhas from the area. Manhas, a commando from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit, was kidnapped during the Bijapur attack on April 3, 2021, and later released.

For years, Naxals prevented the construction of schools in the region and targeted those who attempted to build them. Now, with the help of the CRPF's 150th battalion, the situation is changing.

A local resident of Tekalgudem said, 'There was no school in our village before. The Naxals used to stop people from building schools and even killed those who tried. Now, thanks to the CRPF, we have a school. Our children can go to school every day, and they also get meals here.'

The school was established as part of ongoing efforts by the CRPF, district police, and local administration to improve conditions in Sukma district.

Speaking to ANI, Superintendent of Police of Sukma, Kiran Gangaram Chavan, said, 'Under the Naxal elimination drive in the Sukma district, the CRPF, district police, and administration are operating schools in Tekalgudem and Puvarti. The children are also being provided with meals, books, and sports equipment... In 2024, camps were set up in Tekalgudem and Puvarti to speak to the villagers and establish their trust in the security forces and the government. The school is a result of that.'

This initiative marks years of effort to rebuild trust between villagers and security forces. With the establishment of CRPF camps in 2024 to engage with residents, the village is now witnessing positive changes, offering children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.

(ANI)