The good news from Chhattisgarh came with the release of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas four days after he was abducted following an ambush in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.
Manhas was taken hostage by the Naxalite-ultras following the gunfight in Bijapur on April 3 wherein Rakeshwar Manhas, a member of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of CRPF. At least 22 security personnel lost their lives while 31 sustained injuries in the encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals along the Sukma-Bijapur border on Saturday after a party of jawans was ambushed by Naxals near Jonnaguda village in Chhattisgarh. His release has brought a sigh of relief to security forces and the people in general. The family of the Rakeshwar and villagers in Jammu celebrated the news of his release with joy and jubilation.
The Northlines, in its editorial the other day advised the villagers and family members of Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, the abducted CRPF Commando, to show patience and restraint from staging protests demanding early release of the CRPF Jawan which was uncalled for, keeping in view the tradition of our security forces and the land of Jammu that repletes with numerous stories of warriors and their valour.
The presence of a couple of leaders from an opposition party seemed to have prompted the family and the villagers of Rakeshwar to hold the protest which was otherwise even the brave soldier would not be liked to have happened. It was also impressed that such incidents relating to the bravery and moral of the soldiers should not be subjected to petty political pleas.
What the unwanted protesters ignored that the safe release of Rakeshwar was the foremost priority and prestige of the government and the whole nation stood in solidarity with the captive jawan and his family.
Following the jawan's release, his wife Meenu expressed gratitude towards the government. She told reporters that the authorities should be lauded for ensuring that Manhas is freed, adding that “this is the happiest day in my life”.
Thank Almighty! The Jawan returned safe and sound and is in good health condition. He had few splinter injuries. He stated that Naxals caught him on the next day of the attack after he fell unconscious after being injured in the attack.
”Today is the happiest day of my life. I always remained hopeful of his return. I thank the government,” Meenu, wife of CRPF jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the CoBRA commando over telephonic and enquired about Rakeshwar Singh Manhas' wellbeing.
Such intense situations are not ruled out in a Naxal and terrorism infected country like India particularly when our security forces are engaged in counter operations for ensuring national security. However, we should not lose our hearts and keep patience and trust that the entire nation is united in its efforts to come out victorious in such agonising situations.
