Chhattisgarh: Two jawans killed in Maoist attack before Modi's visit
Two jawans were killed and five injured when an IED explosion ripped through their bus in Jangla area of Bijapur district, Chattisgarh. Over 30 jawans were traveling from Kutru to Jangla, where PM Modi is scheduled to arrive on April 14. Maoists had circulated pamphlets protesting Modi's visit and urging a boycott of his events. Forces are now on high alert.
Two other IED blasts and one encounter
Earlier today, two IED blasts were reported from the same area near Mahadev Ghat, followed by an encounter between Maoists and the 85 CRPF battalion. "A jawan sustained minor injuries in the blasts on Monday morning," confirmed Bastar DIG Sundaraj P. 12 IAS officers, 12 IPS officers, and 4,000 jawans are camping in the region to secure the area before Modi's visit.
Modi to address rally, open railway line during visit
Incidentally, CM Raman Singh and state BJP president Dharmlal Kaushik were in Bijapur, a Maoist stronghold, on Friday to oversee arrangements for the upcoming visit. Modi will be launching the BJP's campaign for the upcoming state elections in Bastar, a Congress bastion. During his visit, he'll launch the Ayushman Bharat program, address a rally and open a railway line between Dalli Rajahara to Bhanupratapur.
