12 Maoists Neutralized in Clash with Forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh
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Synopsis
In a significant encounter in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, 12 Maoists were killed by security forces ahead of the Panchayat elections. This incident adds to a series of operations targeting Maoist forces in the region, with a total of 49 Maoists neutralized this year.
Key Takeaways
- 12 Maoists killed in Bijapur encounter.
- Security measures coincide with elections.
- 49 Maoists neutralized in Chhattisgarh this year.
- Operation involves multiple security forces.
- Government aims to end Naxalism by 2026.
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 9 (NationPress) A total of 12 Maoists were neutralized during a significant clash with security forces in the National Park area of Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, just before the upcoming Panchayat elections, according to police reports on Sunday.
The confrontation is ongoing.
This incident follows a previous operation where eight Maoists were eliminated in another clash in the Bijapur district.
The earlier gunfight, which resulted in the death of eight Maoists, began on January 31 when a collaborative team of security personnel conducted an anti-Maoist operation, as stated by a senior police official.
The operation involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard and the Special Task Force of the state police, along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its specialized CoBRA unit (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). The operation was initiated on Friday after receiving intelligence regarding the presence of Maoist cadres from the 'West Bastar division' in the area, he mentioned.
These security measures align with the central government's commitment to eradicate Naxalism by 2026, a pledge reiterated by Home Minister Amit Shah on January 6, following an incident where eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and one driver lost their lives due to an IED explosion carried out by Maoists in Bijapur.
The explosion reportedly occurred on the Bedre-Kutru Road in the Bijapur district.
The DRG personnel from Dantewada were returning in a Scorpio vehicle after a joint operation, according to the IG. The joint operation involved forces from Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Bijapur, as added by IG Bastar.
According to the Chhattisgarh Police, this year alone, 49 Maoists have been killed in various encounters within the state. Out of these, 33 fatalities occurred in the Bastar division, which includes seven districts, one of which is Bijapur.
On January 20-21, police reported that 16 Maoists were killed during an encounter with security forces in the Gariaband district, situated in the Raipur division.
Last year, the police recorded that 219 Maoists were neutralized by security forces in various encounters throughout the state.
