Chhattisgarh Encounter: 10 Naxalites Killed, Annual Toll Hits 43

In a significant operation against insurgency in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, security forces achieved a major success by neutralizing 10 Naxalites, including one woman, on Tuesday. This operation comes as a crucial step ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. The encounter took place in the early hours of the morning in a dense forest area, marking a significant blow to Naxalite activities in the Bastar region.

The clash between security personnel and Naxalites occurred around 6 am in the forests between Lendra and Korcholi villages, under the jurisdiction of the Gangaloor police station. A joint team comprising members from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was conducting an anti-Naxal operation when they engaged with the insurgents.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., disclosed that after the gunfire ceased, four bodies were initially discovered at the scene. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of six additional bodies. Among the items recovered were a light machine gun (LMG), a .303 rifle, a 12-bore gun, numerous barrel grenade launchers and shells, alongside other arms and ammunition. The deceased Naxalites are believed to be members of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) company No. 2, although their identities remain to be confirmed.

Injury to CoBRA Commando

In a related incident within the same district, a CoBRA commando from the CRPF's 202nd battalion sustained injuries due to an explosion triggered by a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites. The explosion occurred near Mudvendi village, also under Gangaloor police station's area. The injured commando was part of an operation squad in the vicinity but was not involved in the direct encounter.

Increased Naxalite Activities

The encounter is part of a larger pattern of intensified Naxalite activities in the Bastar region, particularly during their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) which typically spans from March to June each year. This period often witnesses escalated attacks against security forces. Notably, this latest encounter brings the total number of Naxalites killed this year in separate incidents within Bastar to 43.

Bijapur district is part of the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, which is slated for polls in the first phase of the general elections on April 19. The successful operation against Naxalites is seen as a critical measure to ensure safer and more secure elections in this volatile region.

The ongoing conflict with Naxalite groups poses significant challenges to security and stability in Chhattisgarh, particularly in areas like Bijapur. Operations such as these underscore the continuous efforts by security forces to combat insurgency and maintain peace ahead of crucial electoral processes.