Maoists battle shortage of essentials amid 21-day Covid-19 lockdown

Maoists operating in dense forests against the state machinery are running short of ration and other essential commodities. And the 21-day nationwide lockdown is a body blow

Poyam Markam (name changed), head of a village in Chhattisgarh’s restive Dantewada district, wasn’t taken aback when Maoists summoned him for an urgent meeting last Saturday. For villagers in the red zone, it is a routine affair.

What surprised Markam was the agenda of the meeting, which was also attended by people from adjoining areas. The commander of the local militia conducted the proceedings that had pointed agenda: He wanted ration and villagers had to arrange it by hook or by crook.

Maoists operating in dense forests against the state machinery are running short of ration and other essential commodities. And the