In a major success for security forces, 22 Naxalites were killed in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur and Kanker districts, police confirmed on Thursday.
According to Inspector General (IG) of Bastar, P Sundarraj, a fierce gun battle in the dense forests along the Bijapur-Dantewada border led to the neutralization of 18 Maoists. However, one personnel of the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost his life in the operation. The encounter, which began at 7 AM, is still ongoing, with search teams combing the area for more insurgents.
In a second operation at the Kanker-Narayanpur border, security forces engaged with Naxalites near Koroskodo village in the Chhotebethiya police station area, successfully eliminating four Maoists. Automatic weapons have been recovered, and intermittent firing continues.
Security forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations in the region. Last week, 17 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district, stating their willingness to join the mainstream. In February, security forces arrested 18 Naxalites and recovered explosives in three separate operations in Bijapur.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to eliminating Naxalism from the state, with ongoing search operations in both districts to ensure long-term security and stability.
