Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 19 (HBTV): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has established a security camp in Gundam village, formerly a Naxal stronghold. This camp includes a medical facility offering essential healthcare services to local villagers.
The medical camp has become a lifeline for the community, providing much-needed medical support in an area previously lacking healthcare infrastructure. Villagers once faced significant challenges in accessing treatment due to the absence of nearby hospitals.
Kumar Sani, a CRPF jawan receiving treatment for malaria, said, 'The facility is free for both CRPF personnel and villagers. In emergencies, villagers are brought here by ambulance. Malaria treatment is the most common.'
He added, 'People often suffer from fever for 2-3 days without knowing the cause. After medical check-ups, they learn they have malaria. Even in critical cases, like deliveries, the doctor arrives promptly. We handle 3-4 such cases daily, and all medicines and treatments are free of charge for CRPF personnel.'
Karti Nanda, a Gundam village resident also being treated for malaria, shared, 'I've been here for three days. The medicines are effective, and all costs are covered by the CRPF.'
Dr Adil Aziz, a CRPF doctor treating patients from surrounding villages, said, 'The medical facilities are available to both civilians and CRPF personnel. Since we started this hospital, every camp has included a hospital and a field hospital. Civilians have greatly benefited. We admit, treat, and care for their nutrition. The villagers have expressed positive feedback since the opening of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gundam. People, young and old, come here for treatment.'
Dr Aziz continued, 'We often see skin infections. Regular visits allow patients to benefit from CRPF medical services. This area was once a Naxal stronghold, but since the camp opened, the Naxals have retreated, and locals have begun seeking help. We've almost covered all the villages, providing essential services, including medicines.'
'While malaria remains a significant concern, access to treatment has improved dramatically. Although eradication will take time, we are making progress,' he added.
The medical camp has become vital for treating malaria and other common ailments, which had previously gone untreated, often resulting in severe health complications. Now, villagers receive prompt treatment and accurate diagnoses, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
The CRPF's initiative in Gundam addresses a critical healthcare gap, offering timely services. This effort demonstrates how security forces are not only combatting insurgency but also earning the trust of the local population through humanitarian work.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to tackle both security and development issues in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected areas.
On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the FOB at Gundam, reaffirming the government's commitment to combating Naxalism and improving lives in the region. Gundam, once a Naxal training hub, has been under CRPF control since February 14 this year, marking a significant victory against insurgency.
Gundam is located just 10 kilometres from Puwarti, the hometown of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. Hidma, the youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) central committee, has been linked to several deadly attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre and the 2017 Sukma attack. Despite a bounty of INR 1 crore on his head, he remains at large.
The establishment of the CRPF camp in Gundam signifies a strategic effort to reclaim territory and rebuild trust with the local population. Through initiatives like the medical camp, the security forces aim to win the hearts of the people while weakening the influence of Naxal groups in the region.
(ANI)