Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 20: In a major offensive against Maoist insurgency, security forces have killed 22 Naxalites in two separate encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts, police reported on Thursday.
Bijapur-Dantewada Encounter
- 18 Maoists were neutralized during a fierce encounter in the forest area along the Bijapur-Dantewada border.
- The operation started around 7 AM, said Inspector General (IG) of Bastar, P Sundarraj.
- Unfortunately, one personnel from the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost his life in the gunfight.
Kanker-Narayanpur Encounter
- Another encounter took place in the Kanker-Narayanpur border region, where security forces killed four Naxalites near Koroskodo village in the Chhotebethiya police station area.
- Automatic weapons were recovered from the encounter site.
- Intermittent firing is still ongoing, and security forces remain on high alert.
Search Operations Underway
Police have confirmed that search operations are still ongoing in both districts to track down any remaining insurgents.
Recent Crackdown on Naxal Activities
- March 2024:
- 17 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district.
- They were active in the Gangaloor area committee of the outlawed Maoist organization.
- February 2024:
- 18 Naxalites arrested in Bijapur district.
- Large quantities of explosives recovered during raids.
Security Forces Intensify Anti-Naxal Operations
This latest encounter marks a significant victory in Chhattisgarh’s fight against Naxal insurgency. The District Reserve Guard (DRG), CRPF, and local police continue to conduct aggressive search operations in Maoist strongholds.
Authorities remain vigilant as Naxal activity intensifies in certain parts of Chhattisgarh, with continued efforts to dismantle Maoist networks and bring peace to the affected regions.