SAMBALPUR: Ever since the Red rebels struck for the first time in the district on January 23, 2003 killing former sarpanch of Tampargarh, Kadar Singh at Meghapal in broad daylight, nine civilians besides two police personnel have fallen to their bullets.The encounter at Badpata Forest near Badibahal village by a police team lead by the then SP Sanjay Kumar saw two Left ultras being gunned down on January 6, 2008. What followed were a series of surrenders with the rebels fleeing the areas for safety. Except for a few stray incidents, peace was restored with Kumar declaring the district Maoist-free. The district administration, however, failed to complement the police efforts and absence of development in the interior pockets saw the Maoists regroup. Taking advantage of lack of connectivity, health facilities, education and livelihood opportunities and more importantly policing, the Maoists returned to the district to re-establish their lost base.The district administration could have expedited development process after their departure, the sluggish pace of work helped the Maoists win the confidence of the people.Explaining that the Maoists cannot flourish without support of the villagers, Naxal studies expert Rajat Kujur said the administration has to be blamed for the re-emergence of the Maoists. Had development activities been taken up in right spirit, the Maoists would have found themselves isolated, he added.
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