River Rubs Red

Citizens’ groups who had visited Dantewada in the district had warned that the state-sponsored anti-Naxal movement, Salwa Judum, would only spew further violence. Their fears came true on July 17 when Naxals attacked a CRPF post and a relief camp and massacred 33 people. Of the 70 injured, 32 are in critical condition. Fifty-odd people, including a woman Special Police Officer, have been taken hostage. The camp had over 4,500 tribals, most of whom fled to the jungles. Some victims were charred to death after the Naxals set ablaze their huts. The tribals had been shifted to the camp by the authorities.