Slogans in support of Naxalites raised at India Gate; 15 people arrested

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Slogans in support of Naxalites in the heart of the capital Delhi have sparked a major controversy. During a protest against pollution near India Gate, voices suddenly rose in support of Naxalites. Chants of "Lal Salaam" were raised, and chants of "How many Hidmas you kill, a Hidma will emerge from every house."

Actually, this protest was started against the Delhi government on the issue of pollution. However, slogans like 'Amar Rahe' were raised for Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma, after which the controversy deepened. A video of this has also surfaced. During the protest, many youths were heard saying 'Amar Rahe Comrade Hidma and 'Red Salaam to Comrade Hidma'. Security is tight at India Gate amidst the protest against pollution. India Gate has been closed for security reasons and traffic is also stopped on C Hexane Road. Amidst high security, youths raising slogans in support of Naxalism is a matter of concern.

It should be noted that on November 18th, security forces achieved a major success in an anti-Naxal operation, killing long-wanted Naxalite commander Madvi Hidma. 51-year-old Madvi Hidma and his wife Madkam Raje were shot in the encounter, resulting in their death. Several other Naxalites were killed alongside Hidma in this encounter, which took place on the border of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The Chhattisgarh police issued a significant statement at the time, saying that Hidma's death was the "final nail in the coffin of Naxalism."

Notorious Maoist commander Madvi Hidma was responsible for approximately 26 major attacks. Over the past 34 years, he was charged with 367 murders, including approximately 260 security personnel and 107 civilians. Among his major attacks was the 2010 Dantewada attack, in which 76 CRPF personnel were martyred. A bounty of ₹4.5 million was announced on Hidma. Hidma claimed responsibility for the largest Naxalite attacks in Chhattisgarh to date. He was alleged to have led approximately 26 attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada attack, the 2013 Darbha Valley attack, the 2013 Jhiram Valley attack, and the 2017 Sukma attack. The Dantewada attack claimed the lives of 76 soldiers, while the Jhiram Valley attack claimed the lives of 32 people, including several prominent Congress leaders.