How Many Maoists Were Neutralised in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad Region?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two Maoists neutralised in ongoing operation.
- Intelligence teams are working to identify the Maoists.
- Security forces face hostile terrain and armed resistance.
- Chhattisgarh has recorded 248 Maoist deaths this year.
- Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant.
Raipur, Sept 22 (NationPress) Security forces have successfully neutralised two Maoists during an ongoing operation in the Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, close to the Maharashtra border, officials confirmed on Monday.
The identities of these Maoists are currently being verified, with intelligence teams actively working to ascertain their ranks and affiliations.
In response to the Maoist threat, security forces have escalated anti-Maoist efforts in the thick forests of Abujhmad, situated along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border.
Following specific intelligence about Maoist activity, a combined team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) initiated a search operation early in the morning, which led to an intense encounter.
Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria stated that two Maoists were neutralised during the gunfight.
The bodies have been retrieved from the scene along with a stockpile of weapons.
The encounter is ongoing, with reports of sporadic gunfire in the vicinity.
Security forces are continuing their search of the area, and more information will be provided once the operation concludes.
This operation is part of the ongoing commitment by security forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds in Narayanpur and adjacent districts. Troops are delving deep into remote forest areas, often encountering difficult terrain and armed resistance.
The current skirmish began when the Maoists opened fire on the approaching team, prompting immediate retaliation.
Officials have indicated that the seized weapons suggest a well-armed group is present in the area.
So far this year, Chhattisgarh has recorded the elimination of 248 Maoists in various encounters. Notably, 219 were neutralised in the Bastar division, which includes Narayanpur, while the Gariaband district in the Raipur division accounted for 27 Maoist deaths, and two were killed in the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki district of the Durg division.
Significantly, on September 11, ten Maoists, including Modem Balakrishna, a Central Committee member of the banned CPI-Maoist, were killed in Gariaband.
The ongoing operation in Abujhmad highlights the determination of security forces to eradicate insurgency from the region.
Authorities are advising residents to stay alert and avoid entering forested areas until the situation is stabilised.