<p>Chhattisgarh's tribal population in the Maoist bastion Bastar Saturday defied Maoist dictates and celebrated Republic Day although the rebels blocked dozens of roads in forested interiors.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Reports from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kanaker, Bastar and Kondagaon districts which together form the Bastar region said tribals came out in large numbers to attend Republic Day celebrations.<br /><br />Inspector General of Police Himanshu Gupta, who presides over the Bastar region, said the guerrillas laid heavy wooden logs in key forest roads to force people to stay indoors.<br /><br />"This is a known Maoist tactic to enforce a boycott of Republic Day," Gupta said. Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the national flag at Lalbagh ground at Jagdalpur.<br />In a brief speech, he said his government was determined to improve people's quality of life.<br /><br />Governor Shekhar Dutt unfurled the tri-colour at the state's main Republic Day event at the Police Parade ground here where a dog show was the star attraction for roughly 5,000 people.</p>
<p>Chhattisgarh's tribal population in the Maoist bastion Bastar Saturday defied Maoist dictates and celebrated Republic Day although the rebels blocked dozens of roads in forested interiors.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Reports from Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kanaker, Bastar and Kondagaon districts which together form the Bastar region said tribals came out in large numbers to attend Republic Day celebrations.<br /><br />Inspector General of Police Himanshu Gupta, who presides over the Bastar region, said the guerrillas laid heavy wooden logs in key forest roads to force people to stay indoors.<br /><br />"This is a known Maoist tactic to enforce a boycott of Republic Day," Gupta said. Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the national flag at Lalbagh ground at Jagdalpur.<br />In a brief speech, he said his government was determined to improve people's quality of life.<br /><br />Governor Shekhar Dutt unfurled the tri-colour at the state's main Republic Day event at the Police Parade ground here where a dog show was the star attraction for roughly 5,000 people.</p>