Nine Maoist insurgents, including two women, were neutralised in a fierce encounter with security personnel in the forests bordering Narayanpur and Kanker districts in Chhattisgarh. This marks the second major clash in the area within a fortnight, underlining the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism.
The intense exchange of fire erupted along the borders of Narayanpur and Kanker districts, situated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed that the security forces successfully eliminated over nine Naxalites, including female insurgents, during the operation.
According to Pakhanjur Station House Officer (SHO) Laxman Kewat, the operation was launched based on intelligence indicating the presence of high-profile Maoist cadres, including individuals such as Shankar, Lalita, and Rupi, in the Maad area of Kanker district. This preemptive action thwarted their plans to disrupt the electoral process.
Highlighting the success of the operation, Deputy CM Sharma announced the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition from the encounter site. He assured the public of the safety of the security personnel involved, adding that an AK-47 rifle was among the seized weaponry.
While the exchange of gunfire has subsided, security forces continue their search operation in the region to ensure the area’s safety.
This recent clash follows a similar incident earlier this month, where 29 Maoists were neutralized in an encounter in Kanker district. With this latest operation, the total number of Naxalites eliminated in separate encounters in the Bastar region this year stands at 88, according to police reports.
In a related development, on Monday, April 29, officials reported that 23 Maoists surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada, indicating a significant setback for left-wing extremism in the State.
