Police tried to win back villagers in rebel strongholds

NAGPUR: Gadchiroli police's efforts of increasing mass contact in Naxal-affected regions seem to be continuing. Recently, in south Gadchiroli's Etapalli tehsil, a team of district police made a week-long effort to improve public contact in the heavily-affected northern part of the rebel-affected district.
In the latest development, a joint team of the Purada police station and the police assistance post at Malewada visited several villages between June 9 and 15.The villages - Yermagadh, Sawargaon, Charbidand, Katalwada, Yedaskoi and Hurialdand - in the heartland of the Naxal stronghold are known for their staunch support for the rebels. The police met the villagers and tried to win their trust.
In the recent past, there have been very few incidents of violence in places adjoining these hamlets. Police and Naxals have frequently exchanged fire in the jungles. In their latest strategy, cops have adopted a helping attitude towards villagers rather than taking a tough stand against Naxal supporters.
An official from the district police said that the forces spent time with the villagers trying to know their issues. The villagers were also made aware of the government's schemes.
"The aim was to gain their confidence and improve the police image," said official, adding, "The police tried to project itself as a helping and not a repressive force. The villagers were informed about the repercussions of siding with rebels."
Sources in the Gadchiroli police said that the major part of the conversation revolved around the beneficial schemes of the government. The police tried to help villagers by making them aware of the fact that projects initiated by the government can go a long way in improving their living standards.
The police also challenged the ideologies of the Naxals as concepts that have gone against the interest of the villagers. Senior officials spoke about the anti-development stance of the Naxals which has kept the villages in the rudimentary stage of development.
Projects kick-started by the police department to empower the tribal youth to become self-sufficient was also part of the interaction. Senior officials of the visiting team also noted down the administrative and developmental issues of the tribal population. The problems would be now sent to the administrative departments for a solution.