Naxalites quitting path of violence, joining mainstream of development: President Murmu
Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that Naxalites across the country have been giving up the path of violence and joining the mainstream.
Coordinated efforts by the Centre and state governments will make the elimination of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) possible, she said.
Addressing a ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ event in Ambikapur, the headquarters of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh, she said, tribal communities must move forward step by step along with other social groups.
“People (Naxalites) have been abandoning the path of Left-Wing Extremism and joining the mainstream of development in Chhattisgarh as well as across the country. With the coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments, the elimination of LWE will become possible,” the President said.
The Centre and states have been jointly taking steps to achieve this goal, she said, calling the efforts “a very satisfying change”.
More than 1,65,000 participants took part in the recently held Bastar Olympics, which was a matter of great joy, she said.
“I am confident that by following the ideals of tribal heroes, the residents of Chhattisgarh will make an invaluable contribution to building a strong, self-reliant, and Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” she said.
Murmu said, “…Women are the foundation of society, and when they progress, society moves forward…”
Recalling her recent meeting with the Indian Women's World Cup-winning cricket team at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu praised tribal cricketer Kranti Goud, saying she secured a place in the team through hard work and dedication.
She said Kranti’s journey to the national team was filled with challenges, but she emerged as an inspiring example of courage and perseverance.
“Kranti Goud has presented a revolutionary example of hard work and determination for women across the country, especially for daughters of the tribal community,” Murmu said, stressing that traditional sports must be preserved and promoted instead of letting them fade away.
The President said tribal communities have always shown deep interest and natural talent in sports and must continue to nurture this strength for future generations.
Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai were present at the event.
The birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda is celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
