Bastar Dussehra Tradition Faces Crisis; Naxal Operations, Domestic Murder, NMDC School Fee Dispute

The 610-year-old tradition of the historic Bastar Dussehra is in trouble this time. Every year special wood is brought from the forest for the construction of the chariot, but this time the Gram Sabha of Tiriya village has banned the cutting of wood from the forest. The villagers have intervened in the tradition citing environmental protection. Due to this, the process of chariot construction has come to a halt. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the administration has intensified efforts to find a solution. Also, the Manjhi-drivers and priests have expressed displeasure over receiving honorarium once a year. They say that payment should be made every month like before. At the same time, a demand has also been raised to include Bastar in Bilaspur zone. People are considering it necessary from the development point of view.

Kondagaon: Growing popularity of 'Bastariya Beer'
The juice extracted from the Chhind tree in Kondagaon is becoming famous as 'Bastariya Beer'. This juice is completely natural and non-intoxicating. Its consumption cools the body and people are adopting it as a traditional drink. Villagers are extracting thousands of liters of juice and selling it in the market. This has given them a new source of income. On the other hand, the water level of Indravati river has decreased. The river was in spate due to heavy rains in the past. Now the water level has become normal, the surrounding villages have got relief. The administration has relaxed the alert. Still, an appeal has been made to remain vigilant.

A big success has been achieved on the Naxal front in Dantewada. Here eight Maoists, including a Naxalite with a reward of Rs 30 lakh, have surrendered. These include two women as well. Those who surrender will be given assistance under the rehabilitation policy. This is the positive result of the continuous action of the police and confidence building programs. At the same time, anger spread due to the objectionable post on Lord Krishna going viral. The police immediately registered an FIR for hurting religious sentiments. Surveillance has been increased on social media. The administration has appealed to maintain peace.

In Narayanpur, 21 Maoists surrendered and chose the path of peace. These include 13 Naxalites with a reward. At the time of surrender, everyone expressed their desire to leave violence and return to the mainstream of society. The police and administration gave them financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each under the rehabilitation policy. Security has also been provided to those who surrendered. Officials have called it a big success. Also, an awareness campaign was also run in the district under 'Beti Suraksha Maah'. Girls were informed about self-defense, cyber security and legal rights. The girl students participated enthusiastically in the campaign.

Dantewada: Wife killed husband

In a murder case in Bijapur, the police got a shocking twist. Investigation revealed that the accused's wife is the real culprit. She had conspired to mislead the police. The police arrested the woman after 8 days of investigation. This became an example of vigilance in the investigation of women crimes. On the other hand, the demand for bamboo rafting in the Dadargud reservoir of the district is gaining momentum. It is being said that employment and tourism will be promoted by developing the tourist spot. The local people have demanded an early initiative from the administration.

Sukma: Fee dispute in NMDC schools
The fee dispute in NMDC-run schools in Sukma district has deepened. The general category is being charged Rs 65 per exam, while the BPL category has been exempted. Parents are angry about this inequality. They have called it discriminatory and unfair. At the same time, Congress workers protested against the dilapidated roads. The government's attention was drawn by taking out a foot march on the pothole-filled highways. The protesters say that the roads have become life-threatening. They have demanded immediate repairs. The administration has assured to start repair work soon after investigation.