Ranchi, March 20 -- Former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and senior Congress leader TS Singh Deo on Thursday attributed the violence in the state to Naxal groups who refused to abandon violence and arms.

Speaking to ANI, Deo said, "Such incidents are coming to the fore in the encounter against the people of Naxal ideology due to not abandoning violence and continuously taking up arms."

This comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations in the state, which have resulted in the elimination of 105 Naxals in encounters so far this year.

Deo highlighted the significant deployment of paramilitary forces in the region, with over 60 battalions stationed in Chhattisgarh. He emphasised that these forces are available in sufficient number...