Top officials review development works in Naxal-hit Sukma

Senior police, paramilitary and administration officials visited Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, where 25 security personnel were killed in a Maoist ambush nearly two months back, and reviewed the ongoing development works in the Naxal-affected region.
During their two-day visit which concluded today, the officials, who also interacted with local residents, were accompanied by Sukma collector Jaiprakash Mourya.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada Range) Sundarraj P and Mourya led the review of various ongoing projects, including construction of roads and bridges, in Dornapal, Injeram, Bheiji and Konta areas.
"The officials concerned and contractors have been instructed to speed up the ongoing works so that the local population gets benefit of these connectivity projects as early as possible," Sundarraj told PTI.

Briefing about the projects, the DIG said a major bridge is being constructed over the Sabari river which will connect Konta town in Sukma to Mottu village of Malkangiri district in neighbouring Odisha.
This bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, would boost economic activities in Sukma and nearby villages in Odisha, the IPS officer added.

Similarly, he said, officials were directed to complete construction of the Sukma-Konta (78km long stretch on NH 30) cement concrete road via Dornapal as soon as possible.
Despite resistance from Naxals to the construction of Injram-Bheiji road, security forces have ensured uninterpreted work on the 20km lane which is likely to be completed within a couple of weeks, the DIG said.

The completion of this critical road would boost accessibility to district headquarters, he said.
During interaction with the villagers, the DIG and the collector urged them to take maximum benefit of various development and welfare schemes started by the government.
"The villagers expressed their gratitude towards the security forces and local administration for their efforts to ensure peace and progress in their region," Sundarraj said.
DIG of CRPF Sudanshu Singh, other police and revenue officials were present during the review meetings and inspection.
On April 24, 25 CRPF personnel were killed in a Naxal ambush in Burkapal area under Chintagufa police station limits of Sukma district.