In a significant anti-insurgency operation, security personnel engaged in a gunfight with Naxalites in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of nine extremists. This operation, occurring in the lead-up to the general elections, underscores the ongoing battle against Naxal insurgency in the region.
Bijapur district, situated within the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, which is scheduled for polling in the initial phase of the elections on April 19, has been a focal point of security efforts due to Naxal activities. Also Read – India to Add More ‘Eyes in the Sky’ amidst China and Pakistan Threat
CRPF, CoBRA Involved in Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Naxal Operation
The encounter unfolded around 6 am near Lendra village under Gangaloor police station area as security forces conducted an anti-Naxal operation. The joint team, comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and CoBRA, engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with the extremists, according to Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P.
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Following the cessation of gunfire, security forces recovered the bodies of four Naxalites, accompanied by a light machine gun and other weapons. Subsequently, four more bodies were discovered at the encounter site, with search operations ongoing in the area.
In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces engaged in an encounter with Naxalites in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, resulting in the demise of nine insurgents.#Chhattisgarh #Bijapur #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/8jSAxrhnx8
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) April 2, 2024
The timing of the encounter is notable, as Naxalites typically escalate their activities during the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) between March and June each year. This surge often increases attacks on security forces, particularly in the Bastar region.
This latest operation follows a similar incident on March 27, where six Naxalites were killed in an encounter in the Basaguda area of Bijapur. With this development, the total number of Naxalites killed in encounters in the Bastar region this year has reached 41, including multiple incidents in Bijapur district alone.
The operation underscores the continued efforts of security forces to curb Naxal insurgency in the region, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections. The persistence of such encounters highlights the complex security challenges authorities face in Chhattisgarh’s conflict-ridden areas.
