School children take to roads against Maoists' atrocities in Chhattisgarh - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Chhattisgarh State has been badly affected Maoist menace in the recent past. Maoists have also targetted school buildings, blocking of roads, and are involved in many disruptive activities. A large number of students in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district on Saturday took out a protest rally against Maoist atrocities. In the last eight years, the rebels have damaged more than 150 schools and hostels in only Bastar district of the state. "Maoists damaged building of our school. This is hampering our studies. We are not being able to get proper education because of this," said Mahendra, a school student during the protest. "We children have rights to study. Therefore, we must get a chance to get educated. Please let us study", said Gayatri, another student. "My father was a brave person. He was willing to work wherever posted, be it Maoist infested region or a peaceful area. I am willing to work in police force like my father," said, Ashvini Mohanti, son of martyr constable Charmaroram Mohanti. Maoists, who say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers, are expanding their influence in east, central and southern India. The rebels have ignored repeated calls to renounce violence and negotiate and stepped up their attacks in recent past months, prompting the government to go after them in a concerted strike.