In a significant crackdown on Maoist insurgents, security forces killed at least 30 Maoists in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. According to officials, 26 Maoists were neutralized in Bijapur district, while four were gunned down in Kanker during operations conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of the state police. However, the operation also came at a cost, as one DRG jawan lost his life in the Bijapur encounter. The anti-Maoist operation was launched near the Gangalur police station, situated along the border of Bijapur and Dantewada districts. Security forces continue search operations to locate any remaining insurgents and recover additional evidence from the encounter sites.
The operation resulted in the seizure of a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition, underscoring the scale of Maoist preparedness in the region. Security forces have intensified their efforts in Maoist strongholds, with intelligence reports suggesting that many insurgents have been taking refuge in forested areas. This latest offensive is part of a broader strategy to weaken the Maoist network by targeting their hideouts and eliminating armed cadres. Authorities believe that such operations will pressure more Maoists to surrender, as the government continues its push for rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating former insurgents into mainstream society.
Reacting to the success of the operation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces for their commitment to eradicating Naxalism. In a post on X, he stated, “Today, our soldiers have achieved another major success in the direction of ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.’” He emphasized that the Modi government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against Naxalites who refuse to surrender. Shah further asserted that the country is on track to becoming “Naxal-free” before March 31 next year. With continued military operations and government initiatives, the fight against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is expected to see further decisive actions in the coming months.
