Raipur: Chhattisgarh has halted the anti-Maoist drive in the state despite the rising hold of rebels in new areas, Congress leader and former chief minister Ajit Jogi charged on Monday.

"Chhattisgarh has halted its anti-Maoist drive, though rebels have expanded their bases in new areas and villages close to national highways. The rebels continue to kill civilians," Jogi said in a statement.

Even legislators seek security to enter into their own constituencies in majority of the districts due to fear of Maoists, he added.

But sources here at police headquarters rejected the charges and said that state is presently carrying out a "stepped-up anti-Maoist drive in forested areas".

"Maoists did not manage to target either civilians or police forces in past four months which is the longest peaceful period in the state since year 2005. The anti-Maoist drive is in top gear in the rebels' strongholds and they are forced to run for cover," a senior police official remarked.

Tags: Maoist movement in Chattisgarh, Maoists in Chattisgarh

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