Police, CRPF set up medical camp in Maoist-affected village in Orissa

CHANDRAPUR - The police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) force set up a medical camp and distributed gifts to local tribals in the Maoist-affected Chandrapur village in Orissa’s Rayagada District.

The programme was organized to gain trust of the tribals and to take their help in combating Naxalism in the region.

“People fear the police. This is because of lack of interaction with the police. We want to lessen the distance between the police and people, and keep good relations. We cannot work unless our relations are good with the people,” said Anup Krishna, Superintendent of Police, Rayagada.

“The police are trying to help in development work and to guide them, apart from the law and order problem. If there is any problem, we are there to solve it,” he added.undreds of locals and schoolchildren visited the medical camp where they were given free treatment and medicines.

The officials also distributed clean water and clothes to the people and a magic show was also organised for the children.

“Under the civic action programme, for medical treatment special teams of doctors have come from Rayagada; 4 Battalion and 8 Battalion doctors have also come. We are giving free medical treatment to tribals, and organized a magic show and prize distribution for the school children. And for the elderly and locals we have brought gifts,” said Sandip Yadav, a sub-inspector of 8 Battalion, CRPF.

Tribals said they were pleased with the initiative.

“Apart from giving us free medical treatment they are also distributing medicines for free. The Superintendent of Police gave the children toys and we are very happy with it. Now that there is a police camp here, we will be safe,” said Manoj, a tribal.

In the last decade, Chandrapur village has been threatened by Maoist killings and kidnappings.

For the last two months the 8 Battalion of the CRPF have based themselves in the region to combat the rebel outfit. By Sarada Lahangir (ANI)