Chhattisgarh Conflict: STF Losses and Naxalite Killed in Separate Events

Two Special Task Force (STF) personnel were killed after Maoists detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. A woman Naxalite was also gunned down by security personnel in Dantewada district on Thursday, according to police reports.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that the sacrifice of the jawans will not be in vain. He emphasised that the fight against Naxalism will continue until it is eradicated. "Naxalites have become frustrated by the operations being carried out by the state government to eliminate the menace and are resorting to cowardly acts. The martyrdom of the jawans will not go in vain. Our fight will continue till the end of Maoism," he said.

Security Operations and Casualties

The IED blast in Bijapur occurred on Wednesday night in the Tarrem area when a joint team of security personnel was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation. The operation involved personnel from STF, District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). Two STF constables, Bharat Sahu from Raipur and Satyer Singh Kange from Narayanpur district, were killed in the explosion, while four others were injured.

In another incident on Thursday, two DRG personnel were injured near Mutvendi village under Gangaloor police station area during a search operation. The injured were taken to Bijapur district hospital for treatment.

Anti-Naxalite Operations Continue

A separate encounter took place in Dantewada district on Thursday, resulting in the death of a woman Naxalite. The gunfight occurred in a forest between Purangel and Iralgudem villages under Kirandul police station area. Joint teams of security personnel, including DRG, Bastar Fighters, STF, CRPF, and CoBRA, launched the operation based on intelligence about the presence of key Maoist leaders.

The body of the woman Naxalite and a weapon were recovered from the scene after the exchange of fire. This brings the total number of Naxalites killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh this year to 140.

Government's Stance on Naxalism

Addressing an event organised by RSS-linked weekly magazine Panchajanya in New Delhi, Chief Minister Sai reiterated his government's commitment to fighting Naxalism. He mentioned that 35 security camps have been established in five Naxal-affected districts over the past six months. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma added that the state government favours dialogue with Naxalites to bring them into the mainstream.

"The government favours dialogue with Naxalites and aims to bring them into the mainstream. I believe the Naxalism issue will be resolved in three years," Sharma said.

Personal Losses and Community Impact

Mansaram Sahu, brother of STF constable Bharat Sahu who was killed in Bijapur, shared his grief upon receiving news of his brother's death at 2 am on Thursday. He struggled to inform Bharat's wife about the tragic incident until visitors began arriving at their home in Raipur's Mova area early in the morning.

Bharat Sahu is survived by his parents, wife, two daughters aged 11 and 8, and a 2-year-old son. He was home last month and resumed duty on July 1-2. "We had no idea this would be his last visit home. We are all in shock. However, it is said that martyrs never die. They live in the hearts of the people," Mansaram Sahu said.

The ongoing operations against Naxalites reflect both the challenges faced by security forces and their determination to combat extremism. The state's efforts aim to bring peace and stability to affected regions while addressing underlying issues through dialogue.