In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, security forces gunned down more than twelve Naxalites in two separate encounters in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Saturday. The operations, which took place in the districts of Sukma and Bijapur, mark a continued push against insurgent activities in the region.
Major Engagement in Sukma Forests
According to senior police officials, the first and larger encounter occurred in the forested areas of southern Sukma district. A joint team of security personnel, deployed on a specific anti-Naxalite mission, came under fire, leading to a fierce gunfight.
More than ten Maoist cadres were neutralised in this exchange. The operation was reportedly still in progress at the time of the initial reports, with authorities promising more details as the situation developed.
Simultaneous Action in Bijapur
In a coordinated security effort, another confrontation unfolded in the neighbouring Bijapur district in the early hours of the same day. A team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), a specialised unit of the Chhattisgarh police, was engaged in a similar search operation around 5 am when the clash began.
The police confirmed that the bodies of two Naxalites were recovered from the encounter site in Bijapur. Officials stated that intermittent firing was still ongoing, indicating the volatile nature of the operation.
Context of the Counter-Insurgency Campaign
These encounters are part of a sustained and intensified campaign by state and central forces against Naxalite influence in the Red Corridor. The Bastar region has long been a focal point of such security operations.
The success of these operations follows a pattern of increased pressure on extremist groups. In the previous year, 2023, a total of 285 Naxalites were eliminated in various encounters across Chhattisgarh, highlighting the scale and persistence of the counter-insurgency efforts.
While these operations represent tactical victories for the security forces, they also underscore the ongoing challenges in the region. The authorities maintain that such actions are crucial for establishing lasting peace and enabling development in the affected areas.
