Two Naxalites Killed in Bijapur Encounter, Weapons Recovered
Security forces gunned down two Naxalites in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday. Police confirmed the incident, which occurred in the morning hours within the forested hills of the district's northwest region.
Details of the Operation
A joint team of security forces launched an anti-Naxalite operation based on specific intelligence about Maoist cadres present in the area. The gunfight broke out as the team engaged with the insurgents. A senior police official stated that the bodies of two Naxalites and their weapons were recovered from the encounter site.
The official added that an intermittent exchange of fire was still underway at the time of reporting. Further details about the operation and any additional casualties are awaited as the situation develops.
Context of Naxalite Activity in Chhattisgarh
This incident follows a significant encounter earlier this year. On January 3, security forces killed as many as 14 Naxalites in two separate encounters within the Bastar region. The Bastar region includes seven districts, with Bijapur being one of them.
Last year, Chhattisgarh witnessed intense anti-Naxal operations. A total of 285 Naxalites were killed in encounters with security forces throughout 2023. This highlights the ongoing efforts to curb Left-Wing Extremism in the state.
Government's Stance on Left-Wing Extremism
The Central government has set a clear deadline to address this issue. Authorities aim to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by March 31. This deadline underscores the government's commitment to resolving the long-standing Maoist insurgency through decisive security measures.
Operations like the one in Bijapur are part of broader strategies to dismantle Naxalite networks and restore peace in affected regions. Security forces remain on high alert, conducting regular patrols and intelligence-based missions to prevent further incidents.
