30 Maoists Neutralized, One Soldier Sacrificed in Two Distinct Clashes in Chhattisgarh
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Synopsis
On March 20, 2023, Chhattisgarh security forces killed 30 Maoists in two encounters, resulting in one soldier's martyrdom. The operations aimed to weaken Maoist influence in the Bastar region, demonstrating a significant step towards a 'naxal-free' India.
Key Takeaways
- 30 Maoists killed in two encounters.
- One District Reserve Guard jawan martyred.
- Operations conducted in Bijapur and Kanker regions.
- Union Home Minister commends security forces.
- Intelligence reports led to successful operations.
Raipur, March 20 (NationPress) In a significant operation against Maoist insurgency, security forces in Chhattisgarh have eliminated 30 Maoists during two critical encounters that initiated on Thursday morning in the Bastar region.
The initial operation commenced along the Bijapur-Dantewada border, and the second occurred near the Kanker-Narayanpur border.
Sadly, the success came at a cost, as a member of the District Reserve Guard was martyred amid the firefight.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the security forces for their earlier success, stating that they had effectively neutralized 22 Maoists during the two separate operations.
Additionally, state Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the forces for their efforts against the Maoists.
Home Minister Shah noted in a post on X that this represents another major achievement under the 'Naxal Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', aiming for a 'naxal-free' India by March 31 of the following year.
A reliable police source informed IANS that 26 Maoists fell in the Bijapur encounter, while an additional four were killed in Kanker. Tragically, the operation in Bijapur also resulted in the loss of a courageous District Reserve Guard jawan, who was martyred during the firefight.
Intense gunfire persisted from both sides until Thursday afternoon. Security forces successfully retrieved the bodies of the deceased Maoists along with a stockpile of automatic weapons from the encounter sites, delivering a substantial setback to the insurgents.
In a separate incident, two jawans were injured due to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in the Thulthuli area, near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. Both injured personnel are reported to be stable and receiving medical attention.
The operations were initiated following intelligence reports regarding a large assembly of Maoists in the Gangaloor area. Acting on this intelligence, security forces commenced a joint operation along the Dantewada-Bijapur border.
The forces had reached the Andri area by Wednesday, and the encounter started early Thursday morning. These coordinated efforts illustrate the unwavering resolve of security forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds and restore peace in the affected regions.
