Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India]: A wreath-laying ceremony was held on Monday to honor the two Special Task Force (STF) jawans who lost their lives in a fierce encounter with Naxals in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 31 Naxals.
Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Deo Gautam attended the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the bravery of the fallen jawans.
“We have gathered here to pay tribute to our martyred jawans. Their sacrifice has led to the huge success of this operation, and the STF has neutralized 31 Naxals. Such operations will continue until armed Naxals are eliminated from the region. We are fully equipped to handle all situations,” said Gautam.
Major Operation in Bijapur’s National Park Area
On February 9, security forces launched a massive operation in the forests of the National Park area in Bijapur district, resulting in a gunfight that killed 31 Naxalites.
🔹 Two STF personnel lost their lives.
🔹 Two other security personnel sustained injuries and were rushed to Raipur Hospital, where they are now out of danger.
🔹 Security forces also recovered weapons and explosives from the encounter site.
Reactions from Top Leaders
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised security forces for their successful operation and offered condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“Today, we have lost two of our brave soldiers in the effort to end anti-human Naxalism. This country will always be indebted to these heroes. I express my heartfelt condolences to their families,” said Shah.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism:
“Before March 31, 2026, we will completely eliminate Naxalism from the country so that no citizen has to lose their life due to it.”
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also congratulated security forces for their successful operation against Maoists in the forests of the Indravati National Park area in Bijapur.
A Major Blow to Naxal Insurgency
The operation marks one of the most significant victories against Naxal forces in recent times, reinforcing the government’s determination to eliminate insurgency from the region.