What Happened in Bijapur-Dantewada's Anti-Maoist Operation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two DRG personnel were killed in action.
- Seven Maoists were neutralized during the operation.
- Security forces confiscated a significant cache of weapons.
- The operation underscores the challenges in Bastar, a known Maoist stronghold.
- The ongoing effort highlights the sacrifices made by security personnel.
Raipur/Bijapur, Dec 3 (NationPress) An operation against Maoist insurgents in the Bijapur-Dantewada region of Chhattisgarh has resulted in a tragic loss for security forces, with two members of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Bijapur losing their lives in the line of duty.
Reports indicate that head constable Monu Vadadi and constable Dukaru Gonde were killed during the encounter. Another jawan, Somdev Yadav, was injured but has received first-aid and is currently stable, with further medical assistance arranged.
Additionally, seven Maoists were reportedly eliminated during the operation.
This significant anti-LWE operation is ongoing in the West Bastar Division along the inter-district border of Bijapur and Dantewada, where intense exchanges of fire have been occurring since Wednesday morning.
The joint operation involves units from the District Reserve Guard in both Bijapur and Dantewada, alongside the Special Task Force (STF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and CoBRA teams, leading to notable casualties and recoveries.
Superintendent of Police, Bijapur, Jitendra Yadav, confirmed that firing commenced around 9 a.m. and has persisted throughout the day as forces engage aggressively.
The area has been secured, with additional reinforcements deployed to maintain the operation's effectiveness.
"Ongoing search operations are in progress, and our force strength is sufficient," Yadav stated, noting the tense and volatile nature of the terrain. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, reported that seven Maoists have been neutralized thus far.
The bodies of these insurgents have been recovered, though their identities are yet to be confirmed.
Security forces have also confiscated a stockpile of weapons, including SLR rifles, .303 rifles, and various other arms and ammunition, highlighting the scale of Maoist activity in the area.
This ongoing offensive underlines the continuous challenges faced by security personnel in Bastar, a region historically known as a Maoist stronghold.
While the recovery of weapons and the elimination of insurgents signify a tactical achievement, the loss of personnel emphasizes the sacrifices made by those on the front lines to uphold peace and security.
Authorities have indicated that comprehensive details will be released once the operation concludes. Currently, this encounter reflects both the intensity of the anti-LWE campaign and the unwavering resolve of security forces to dismantle insurgent networks operating within the dense forests of West Bastar.