(File photo of Maoists for representation.)
Raipur: In a significant counterinsurgency operation, security forces killed 10 Maoists during a major encounter in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh early Friday morning. The encounter occurred during an anti-Naxalite operation conducted by a joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force and the District Reserve Guard in the dense forests in the Bheji area near Bhandarpadar village, following intelligence reports about Maoist presence in the area.
The success of this encounter for the security forces is seen as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against left-wing extremism in the region.
The gunfight began early in the morning when security personnel, acting on specific inputs regarding Maoist activities from the Konta and Kistaram area committees, engaged with a group of armed Naxalites. The operation was initiated in response to prior intelligence suggesting that Maoists were gathering in the forested hills of Korajuguda, Dantespuram, and Nagaram.
#WATCH | DRG (District Reserve Guards) Jawans celebrate after succeeding in eliminating 10 Naxals during an encounter in #Sukma, #Chhattisgarh. pic.twitter.com/dfuFaCcwVr
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 22, 2024
The inspector general of police for Bastar, P Sundarraj, confirmed that the encounter resulted in the deaths of 10 Maoists, whose bodies were subsequently recovered along with a cache of weapons including INSAS rifles, AK-47s, and self-loading rifles (SLRs).
The Chhattisgarh chief minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, praised the security forces for their efforts and reiterated his government’s commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards Naxalism. He emphasized that ensuring development and safety for citizens in the Bastar region remains a top priority.
This incident contributes to a troubling trend for Maoist insurgents. It may be noted that since January 2024, over 200 Naxalites have been neutralized across Chhattisgarh, reflecting an intensified crackdown on LWE activities.
According to the latest reports, the operation is still going on as security forces are conducting further searches in nearby areas to locate any additional Maoist cadres. Reports indicate that despite being heavily armed, no security personnel were harmed during this encounter. The state government has also noted a significant reduction in LWE violence – 72% lower than previous years – indicating progress towards Centre’s goal of eradicating LWE by March 2026.
In recent months, Chhattisgarh has seen several successful operations against Maoists, including a notable incident where 31 insurgents were killed along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. These developments underscore a broader strategy by the authorities to enhance security and stabilize regions affected by Maoist insurgency through improved infrastructure and community engagement initiatives.
