22 Maoists Neutralized in Two Operations in Chhattisgarh
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Synopsis
On March 20, security forces achieved a significant milestone by neutralizing 22 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur and Kanker districts. The operations reflect the government's unwavering commitment to a Naxal-free India, despite the sacrifice of a brave DRG jawan during the encounters.
Key Takeaways
- 22 Maoists eliminated in Chhattisgarh.
- One DRG jawan lost his life.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the forces.
- Zero-tolerance policy against Naxalites emphasized.
- Operations aim at achieving a Naxal-free India.
Bhopal, March 20 (NationPress) In a crucial achievement against insurgency, security forces on Thursday neutralized 22 Maoists in two distinct operations carried out in the Bijapur and Kanker districts of Chhattisgarh.
Earlier in the day, two Maoists were eliminated in a successful encounter; however, the operation came at a cost, with one courageous District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sacrificing his life in the line of duty.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to his X handle to praise the forces for their accomplishment, labeling it as a significant advancement in the government's 'Naxal Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Naxal-Free India Campaign)'.
In his statement, HM Shah expressed, “Twenty-two Naxalites were killed in two separate operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker. The Modi government is progressing with a ruthless approach against Naxalites, implementing a zero-tolerance policy for those who refuse to surrender despite the reintegration opportunities provided. The nation is on course to become Naxal-free by March 31 next year.”
Meanwhile, police sources indicated that Papa Rao, a notorious and highly-wanted Maoist leader with a multi-million bounty on his head, was also present there alongside other feared Maoists. His capture or elimination would signify another substantial blow to the network.
The Bijapur district experienced intense action in the early hours of Thursday when an encounter erupted between police forces and Maoists in the Gangaloor police station area, near the Bijapur-Dantewada border.
According to Bijapur police, the operation resulted in the martyrdom of a DRG jawan.
A joint team had initiated the anti-Maoist operation in the region, and heavy firing ensued between the Maoists and security personnel starting at 7 a.m.
In a separate incident, two soldiers sustained injuries from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in the Thulthuli region, located near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. Both injured personnel, one of whom is a jawan and the other a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), have been hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition.
The search operation in the area remains ongoing.
These operations highlight the relentless efforts of security forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds and restore peace in the affected regions.
The government's commitment to eradicating Maoism continues to gain momentum, with each successful operation drawing the nation closer to its goal of a Naxal-free India.
