RESIDENTS OF NAXAL-AFFECTED BASTAR VILLAGES TO VOTE AFTER 40 YEARS

The upcoming assembly elections in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district hold particular significance, as residents of 40 naxal-affected villages will have the opportunity to vote for the first time in four decades.

- ASHISH SINHA

Previously, these naxal-affected areas were too perilous to safely conduct polling. However, 40 of these highly affected villages will now have polling stations, marking the first time in 40 years.

A total of 120 polling stations will be reopened in these villages on Saturday. After a Naxalite organization announced an election boycott, the Election Commission has initiated the election process in this region with heightened vigilance.

Over the last five years, more than 60 security force camps have been established in these severely affected Naxal areas. These camps have paved the way for continuous area dominance, making these regions safe enough for the electoral process, according to the police.