In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, two Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces on Saturday. The gun battle took place in the early hours of the morning in a dense forested area under the jurisdiction of the Kistaram police station, where security personnel had been conducting an anti-Naxalite operation, police officials confirmed.
According to Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, the operation was carried out by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), an elite unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) specializing in counter-insurgency operations. The operation had been launched on Friday following specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement and presence of Maoist insurgents in the area.
As the security personnel advanced into the forested terrain, they were met with gunfire from the Naxalites, leading to an intense exchange of fire between both sides. After the gunfight subsided, the bodies of two Naxalites were recovered from the scene. The identity of the deceased insurgents is yet to be ascertained, and further investigations are underway.
The security forces are continuing their combing operation in the region to ensure that no other insurgents are hiding in the vicinity. Officials have also recovered weapons and other materials from the site, which may provide additional intelligence on Naxalite activities in the area.
This latest encounter adds to the increasing number of insurgents neutralized by security forces in Chhattisgarh this year. So far, a total of 83 Naxalites have been killed in various anti-Maoist operations across the state in 2024. Of these, 67 insurgents were gunned down in the Bastar division, which comprises seven districts, including Sukma.
The Bastar region, known to be a stronghold of Naxal activities, has witnessed frequent clashes between security forces and Maoist insurgents. The government has intensified counter-insurgency operations in the region, deploying specialized units such as the DRG and CoBRA to root out the left-wing extremist presence.
Officials believe that sustained pressure on Naxalite groups through coordinated security operations is gradually weakening their influence in the region. However, they continue to exercise caution, as Maoist insurgents are known for launching surprise attacks on security forces and government infrastructure.
Authorities have urged villagers in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the police. Efforts are also being made to bring development initiatives to the region, addressing the socio-economic issues that often contribute to the rise of Naxalism.
The ongoing security operations in Sukma and other districts highlight the state’s commitment to tackling insurgency and ensuring the safety of civilians. The government has reiterated its stance that those willing to surrender will be given opportunities for rehabilitation, while those continuing to engage in violence will be dealt with strictly by security forces.