In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, security forces have eliminated more than twelve Naxalites in a series of fierce encounters across the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The coordinated operations, which unfolded on Tuesday, mark one of the most substantial successes for the state police and central paramilitary units in recent months.
Dual Encounters Rock Maoist Strongholds
The day's violence erupted in two separate locations within the restive Bastar division. The first major gunfight took place in the forests near Pidiya village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Gangaloor police station in the Bijapur district. According to officials, a joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was conducting a search operation based on precise intelligence about Maoist presence.
Upon reaching the area, the security personnel were met with heavy fire from a group of Naxalites entrenched in the forest. The forces retaliated effectively, leading to a prolonged exchange. When the firing subsided and the area was secured, the bodies of seven Naxalites were recovered from the spot. The security team also seized a cache of weapons, including a .303 rifle, a 12-bore gun, and a significant amount of materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Second Strike in Neighbouring Narayanpur
Almost simultaneously, another intense encounter was underway in the Abhujmad forest area of Narayanpur district. Here, a separate joint force of the DRG, CRPF, and its elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) was engaged in an anti-Naxal operation. This team also came under attack from Maoist cadres.
The ensuing firefight resulted in the death of at least five Naxalites. The exact number could be higher, as search operations were still ongoing in the challenging terrain. This operation also led to the recovery of weapons and Maoist-related paraphernalia from the encounter site.
Aftermath and Continued Vigilance
The twin operations on Tuesday, April 16, have delivered a severe jolt to the Maoist infrastructure in one of their core zones. Bastar has long been considered the epicenter of the Naxalite movement in India. The successful missions underscore the improved intelligence network and coordinated tactics of the security forces operating in the region.
Following the encounters, reinforcements were rushed to both locations to conduct thorough searches and sanitize the area. Authorities remain on high alert, anticipating possible retaliatory actions by the Maoist groups. The identities of the slain Naxalites are being ascertained, and it is believed that some of them held significant positions within the outlawed organization.
This decisive action comes amidst ongoing efforts by the state and central governments to curb Maoist influence and restore peace and development in the tribal-dominated districts of Chhattisgarh. The operations demonstrate a continued and robust security posture in the face of the persistent Naxalite threat in the Bastar region.
