In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, two women Maoists were killed during a late-night encounter with security forces in the dense forests of the Abhujmaad region. Acting on intelligence about Maoist activity in the area, a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF) launched an anti-insurgency operation under Kohkameta police station limits. The operation, which continues as part of a larger crackdown, led to the recovery of an INSAS rifle and a .315 bore rifle from the encounter site.

The encounter marks another chapter in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing push to eradicate Left-wing extremism by March 2026 — a target set by the Union government. With over 100 Maoists already killed this year, security forces have ramped up operations across Maoist-affected districts, including Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma. Narayanpur, where this latest clash occurred, lies at the heart of the so-called “Red Corridor,” a region heavily fortified by rebel groups. Authorities believe the women killed were part of the Maad division of the Maoist ranks.

As the operation intensifies, the region remains on high alert with search and combing activities underway. Security agencies are also investigating the possibility of senior Maoist cadres being present during the clash. Local police are coordinating with central paramilitary forces to dismantle Maoist camps and regain control over insurgent-held zones. Past encounters in the region have sparked controversy, with some families alleging mistaken identity. Nonetheless, officials remain firm in their mission to dismantle the insurgent infrastructure across Chhattisgarh’s tribal belt.