Lockdown hinders construction of road to Chhattisgarh's Maoist hot spot

Security forces had taken up the 35-km road project on a war footing, at least three CRPF camps had been set up on the stretch to create a security blanket for workers engaged in its construction

The lockdown had slowed down the work of road construction in Maoist-infested pockets of Chhattisgarh.

The state government had taken up a number of projects in the area, of which the road between Koleng and Netanaar was strategically most important. This is because the road would lead to the core of Tulsi Dongri village that happens to be Maoists’ liberated zone.

The once strong influence in Koleng that Maoists had gradually subsided following the movement of security forces. But Tulsi Dongri remains a challenge for security personnel. It is still a stronghold of Maoists and has been their operational centre.

Security forces had