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Khamar forest beat office, shut since 2009 due to Maoist menace, reopens

The Khamar beat office under Jhalda Forest Range of Purulia Division has reopened after thirteen years. In 2009, the Khamar beat office has been closed due to Maoist activities in the area. From 2004 to 2011, there has been bloodshed in Purulia and villagers and forest officials had fled away in fear. The Maoists used to abduct government officials and villagers.

Khamar forest beat office, shut since 2009 due to Maoist menace, reopens

[Representational Image]

The Khamar beat office under Jhalda Forest Range of Purulia Division has reopened after thirteen years. In 2009, the Khamar beat office has been closed due to Maoist activities in the area. From 2004 to 2011, there has been bloodshed in Purulia and villagers and forest officials had fled away in fear. The Maoists used to abduct government officials and villagers.

On the other hand the police also used to call the villagers and grill them to get information about the Maoists movements in the Junglemahal area of Purulia. Manoranjan Bhatta, chief conservator of Forests of South West Circle, Debashish Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Purulia Forest Division were present during reopening of the Khamar Beat office. “One beat officer, two assisting officers and another employee have been posted at the Khamar Beat office already.

These officers will coordinate with the local villagers and protect the forest areas and animals,”said DFO of Purulia, Debashish Sharma. In 2010, seven Forward Bloc supporters were killed in Purulia by Maoists, which had rocked the state at that time. The Maoists activities have been controlled after the Trinamul Congress government took charge of the state and since 2011 the district of Purulia has remained peaceful. Most of the Maoists who were active in the district were either killed or surrendered or have been arrested, while few are still absconding.

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The state government has provided jobs to the surrendered Maoists in the police department. Top Maoist leader Kishenji was killed during an encounter in West Midnapore on 24 November 2011. “ We are really happy now that the local beat office has opened after so many years,”said Bikash Chandra Layek, a local villager. To celebrate the reopening of the beat office, the state forest department organised the Chau dance of Purulia with local artistes.

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