Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 18 (HBTV): In the aftermath of the Bijapur Naxal attack, where two jawans sustained injuries in a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) blast planted by Naxals, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism.

"This is an act of cowardice by the Naxals. The government and the security forces are fighting hard against it, and their elimination is certain," Sai stated.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the Auto Expo and National Road Safety and Honors Programme.

Assembly Speaker Raman Singh highlighted the state's developmental achievements during the event, noting: "This is the 8th expo, and new records are being made continuously in Chhattisgarh. The state has witnessed an 18 percent growth in recent years. Last year, 10,000 vehicles were sold, and this year, the figure is expected to double, reaching 20,000 vehicles."

He credited this growth to initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Khadyan Suraksha Yojna, which has facilitated the procurement of 150 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, injecting INR 50,000 crore into the hands of farmers. He added that this economic boost is driving the increased sales of two-wheelers and four-wheelers, showcasing Chhattisgarh's progress across multiple sectors.

Recent Naxal IncidentsAccording to Bijapur Police, two jawans were injured on Thursday morning in a pressure IED blast near Putkel village under the Basaguda police station area. The injured jawans were evacuated, and their condition is reported to be stable.

The blast occurred as security forces ramped up anti-Naxal operations in the district.

On January 12, security forces neutralized five Naxalites, including two women, in an encounter in Bijapur's forest areas under the National Park region. Recovered items included an SLR rifle, a 12-bore rifle, two single-shot rifles, a BGL launcher, a locally made bharmar gun, explosives, Maoist literature, and other materials.

Chhattisgarh continues to grapple with Naxal violence as security forces work to restore peace and ensure the safety of its citizens.

(ANI)