Naxal IED Attack in Chhattisgarh Claims Lives of Eight DRG Jawans and a Civilian Driver
In a tragic incident, eight personnel from the District Reserve Guards (DRG) and a civilian driver lost their lives after Naxalites detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Monday. The attack, described as the deadliest on security forces in the region in the past two years, highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the Naxalite insurgency in the state.
Details of the Incident
The ambush occurred near Ambeli village under the jurisdiction of the Kutru police station. The DRG team, traveling in a Scorpio vehicle, was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation when their vehicle was targeted. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P confirmed the attack, calling it a “cowardly act” by the Naxals.
The DRG, a specialized unit of the state police, is at the forefront of anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. According to officials, the operation involved personnel from Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Bijapur districts, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of the state police in countering Naxalite activities.
Pattern of Attacks
This is the most significant attack on security forces by Naxals in two years. A similar incident occurred on April 26, 2023, in the neighboring Dantewada district, where ten police personnel and a civilian driver were killed after Naxals targeted their convoy with an IED. The recurrence of such attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by Naxalite groups in the region.
The Bijapur incident also follows an encounter between security forces and Naxals in Bastar just days earlier. In that operation, five Naxalites were killed, including four whose bodies were found immediately and another body recovered later. A DRG head constable also lost his life in the gunfight.
Government Reaction
Reacting to the attack, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao condemned the incident and expressed condolences for the lives lost. “The Naxalites have resorted to such cowardly actions due to desperation and frustration,” he stated. He reassured the public that the sacrifices of the jawans would not be in vain, adding that the government remains committed to eradicating Naxalism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief over the loss of lives through a message on the microblogging platform X. “Deeply saddened by the loss of DRG soldiers in the IED blast in Bijapur. It is impossible to express this grief in words, but I assure you that the sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain. We will eliminate Naxalism from India by March 2026,” Shah said.
Impact of Naxalism in the Region
The ongoing Naxalite insurgency continues to challenge the state’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The DRG, comprising mostly local recruits familiar with the terrain and the insurgents’ tactics, has been instrumental in countering Naxalite activities. However, incidents like the Bijapur attack highlight the insurgents’ capacity to inflict significant casualties despite sustained operations against them.
The Road Ahead
The Chhattisgarh government and central authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling the Naxal issue. Joint operations involving multiple districts, as demonstrated in the Bijapur case, will likely remain central to their strategy.
The loss of eight DRG personnel and a civilian driver is a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by security forces in their mission to safeguard the region. As the state and central governments pledge to intensify their efforts against Naxalism, the ultimate goal remains the restoration of peace and development in affected areas.
This incident not only underscores the challenges of counterinsurgency operations but also serves as a call to strengthen intelligence, coordination, and tactical preparedness in the fight against Naxal extremism.
