- विज्ञापन -
Sukma: Security forces have killed 16 Maoists during a fierce encounter in the Kerlapal area of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday.
The gunfight was part of a coordinated anti-Maoist operation undertaken by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), initiated based on credible intelligence about Maoist activity in the region.
According to officials, the joint team entered the area on March 28, and sporadic gunfire continued between security forces and the insurgents until early Saturday morning.
After the successful operation, search teams have been dispatched to thoroughly examine the encounter site and the surrounding forested areas. Authorities indicated that detailed information will be provided once the operation concludes.
Sukma, known as one of the most Maoist-affected districts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, has a history of violent clashes between Maoists and security personnel.
This encounter follows an incident in Narayanpur district a day earlier, where a soldier was injured due to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast orchestrated by Maoists.
Earlier in March, two Maoists were killed within the Kistaram police station limits of Sukma. The month of February saw an increase in anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region, leading to the neutralization of at least 40 Maoists.
Notably, on February 9, a record 31 insurgents, with a combined bounty of Rs 1.10 crore, were killed in Bijapur. There were also significant operations resulting in the deaths of a Maoist with an Rs 8 lakh bounty in Kanker-Narayanpur on February 3 and the elimination of eight Naxalites in Gangalur, Bijapur on February 1.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously stated that the ongoing anti-Naxal efforts are nearing their final phase and that Maoism is expected to be eradicated from the country by March 2026.
