How Many Maoists Were Neutralised in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six Maoists neutralized in Bijapur during a fierce encounter.
- Operation marked a significant victory against the insurgency.
- Recovery of a large cache of weapons and explosives.
- Security forces maintain pressure on remaining insurgents.
- Intelligence-driven operations proving effective in the region.
Raipur/Bijapur, Nov 11 (NationPress) Six Maoists were neutralized during a fierce gun battle with security forces in the thick forests of Bijapur district's National Park area on Tuesday, delivering a major setback to the waning insurgency in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, according to police officials.
The clash began around 10 a.m. and has continued with sporadic exchanges of gunfire as joint teams of the District Reserve Guard from Bijapur and Dantewada, along with the Special Task Force, exert pressure on the remaining insurgents.
This operation was initiated following accurate intelligence reports indicating a strong Maoist presence in the heart of the forest.
A coordinated effort involving DRG personnel from both districts and STF operatives advanced into the area early in the day, traversing challenging terrain under a dense forest canopy, as per the officials.
As the forces approached, Maoist sentries opened fire, resulting in a fierce and extended gunfight that lasted well into the late afternoon.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav confirmed the recovery of six Maoist bodies from the encounter site, alongside a significant cache of weapons and explosives.
The retrieved arsenal comprises INSAS rifles, Sten guns, .303 rifles, ammunition, detonators, and various Maoist-related items, including uniforms, literature, and communication devices.
The confiscated equipment is currently being cataloged and analyzed to trace supply routes and identify involved cadres.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P commended the operation as a decisive step forward in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism.
He characterized the Maoist organization as leaderless, directionless, and demoralized, now restricted to a few diminishing pockets in the Abujhmad forests.
"This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and the increasing dominance of security forces in previously Maoist-controlled regions," he stated.
He further disclosed that additional reinforcements from DRG, STF, Bastar Fighters, Central Reserve Police Force, and Chhattisgarh Armed Force have been deployed to nearby areas to establish a multi-layered cordon and prevent any surviving Maoists from fleeing into neighboring districts.