3 Feb 2009, 0239 hrs IST, Sunil Warrier, TNN
GADCHIROLI: Gadchiroli was inconsolable on Monday. A day after 15 policemen were gunned down by Naxals near here, the township gathered at the
police grounds to pay homage to the departed. Tears formed cakes on the cheeks, some fainted and others managed a gutsy, emotionless face. If chief minister Ashok Chavan's lip service made any difference, it didn't show.
The crowd had started assembling at the ground from noon. About 5,000 sobbing men and women far outnumbered the men in khaki and green, most of whom had been sent on a combing operation into the forests where the gory incident took place on Sunday morning.
With all establishments closed for the day, as a mark of respect the policemen, Chavan and some of his cabinet colleagues were assured of a good audience. He landed at about 3 pm by a helicopter from Nagpur. Chopper, did one say? The Anti-Naxal Organisation has been fighting for a chopper to help in combing and fighting operations in the forests. One landed last year but could not take off. Now, the only blades they see are the ones on the fan in their dormitories. And, yes, Chavan did say that Rs 330 crore has been spent on fighting Naxalism in the last year and another Rs 1300 crore has been earmarked for the next three years.
Had the money been spent to armour the state cops better, Chavan wouldn't have been in Gadchiroli on Monday.
Some 26/11 heroes were decorated with Padma awards. 01/02 cops deserve nothing short of the Bharat Ratna, commented a face in olive green.
The crowd was on its feet when the bodies were brought in a coffin and placed ceremoniously in the centre of the ground. Most gave it a stiff salute. The rest said a silent prayer. There were moist eyes in every corner of the ground, be it relatives' pandal or the security that had conspicuously wrapped itself around the ground.
A group of cops fired thrice in the air. Was that the 21-gun salute? It did not matter. The Gadchiroli martyrs were given full state honours. Most were from Gadchiroli itself. While the PSI Upendra Guladekar was from Amravati, two others were from Hingoli and Nanded, where the CM hails from. Chavan and a few others in starched white clothes also offered floral tributes.
Gadchiroli is considered a punishment posting for obvious reasons. Cops admit that mortality rate is quite low here. If Naxals don't target you, the mines planted them will.
At 43, Duryodhan Halami was the oldest of the 01/02 lot. He is survived by wife Sushma and two kids - a boy and girl. At 24, Madhav Pote was the youngest. He was unmarried but have old parents in his Hingoli home. The kin of both want an answer from the Naxals: Why him?
The CM went into a huddle with the grieving relatives. Did a tear escape his eyes? Difficult to say as the meeting took place behind closed doors. He has promised the moon to them. Hopefully, it will be delivered without the cosmetic gift-wrap.
Hopefully, the CM will not have to come to Gadchiroli again!
Hunt for Naxalites in Gadchiroli
NAGPUR, Feb. 2: A massive search operation, launched to nab the Naxalites, who killed 15 policemen, including a police sub-inspector in an encounter in Gadchiroli district, resumed today.
A massive search operation launched by a police team in the entire area of Markegaon in Gadchiroli district, which was suspended late in the evening yesterday, resumed today morning, police said. Meanwhile, there was no trace of any naxal being injured in the attack or killed. Naxalities yesterday surrounded a patrolling party and opened indiscriminate firing on 15 policemen, killing all of them including young PSI Upendra Gudhedkar on the spot.
Maharashtra CM Mr Ashok Chavan and home minister Mr Jayant Patil will reach Gadchiroli today to pay homage to the martyrs. Food and civil supplies minister Mr Ramesh Bang has reached Gadchiroli. n PTI
Monday, February 02, 2009
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