India: Maoist Mass Jailbreak in Chhattisgarh

Despite the high security alert in other prisons that followed, the next day several hundred Maoist prisoners reportedly took over the Beur jail in Patna, a city in the north Indian state of Bihar. There were no reported escapes there.

In a press release, the Secretary of the CPI(M) Bihar-Jharkhand-North Chhattisgarh Special Area Committee and the Special Area Military Commission said the party hoped the incident would further mobilise more masses.

“The Bihar-Jharkhand Uttari Chhattisgarh Special Area Committee welcomes you all back with a big salute for your courage on behalf of Special Area Military Commission under Regional Committee, Commission and zonal committees and commands and other associated groups. It is hoped and appealed to the people’s gladiators, still lodged in jails, that they would take inspiration from your act of bravery as showcased recently by you,” Rakesh stated.

“By freeing yourself and other fellows from the confines of jails without any outside help (except moral support), you have created a history. It has taken our Red Flag’s popularity to another level of fame and respect. You now stand as ideals amongst all revolutionaries and a big source of energy for others,” Rakesh added.

The CPI(M) has led armed peasant resistance to local reactionaries and the central government in a number of Indian states and regions, including Dandakaranya, the vast forest area situated between the borders of four states in central India, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa and Chhattisgarh.