Officials announced that a significant encounter between the joint forces of the state police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district resulted in the death of twenty-nine Naxalites on Tuesday. This marks the most substantial blow to the rebels in eight years and the largest incident of its kind in the state’s history.
During the exchange of fire, three security personnel sustained injuries, with at least one soldier suffering from bullet wounds. However, officials have assured that they are all in stable condition and have been airlifted to Raipur for further medical attention. Additionally, there were rumors circulating that senior Maoist leader Shankar Rao might have been among those killed.
Explaining what occurred on Tuesday with the Naxalites
According to police officials, gunfire erupted around 1:30 pm near the Binagunda-Koragutta jungles and continued intermittently until approximately 5 pm. Following the encounter, a thorough search of the area was conducted, revealing the bodies of 29 Maoists and a substantial cache of weaponry, including AK-47 rifles, INSAS/SLR/Carbine/.303 rifles, and large quantities of arms and ammunition. The Chhattisgarh Police released a statement indicating that the identities of the deceased individuals have yet to be established, and the identification process will commence once all personnel have safely returned to their respective camps.
A senior BSF official stated that on Monday, they received two distinct pieces of human intelligence regarding the assembly of senior cadre from the North Bastar division of the CPI(Maoist) in the vicinity. Subsequently, teams were dispatched to the location late on Monday night. “A contingent of 185 personnel arrived at the jungles around 1:30 pm,” the official elaborated.
The initial exchange of gunfire between the security forces and Naxalites persisted for nearly an hour before a temporary cessation occurred,” the officer revealed.
The skirmish unfolded within a confined area of approximately 300 square meters within the jungle, the officer further disclosed.
Throughout the period from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, there were at least three distinct instances of clashes between the opposing factions, each lasting between 40 minutes to an hour.
Plan of action against the Naxalites
The encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, which resulted in the death of twenty-nine Maoists, was led by a team commanded by Laxman Kewat. Kewat, a recipient of the President’s Award and six other honors, is recognized as an expert in counterinsurgency operations. His track record includes the elimination of 44 Maoists, making him a notable figure in the fight against extremism in the region.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the operation as the state’s most significant success against Maoists. He commended the bravery of the security forces involved and highlighted the potential threat the Maoists posed to the upcoming elections. The site of the gunfight lies in close proximity to both the Bastar and Kanker Lok Sabha constituencies, prompting speculation that the Maoists may have intended to disrupt the electoral process.
Sai emphasized the government’s commitment to ending Maoist violence and promoting peace in the region. He echoed Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to make Bastar a Maoist-free zone and urged the insurgents to abandon violence and engage in dialogue for the region’s development. Additionally, Sai reassured the public that the three injured security personnel are in stable condition and receiving necessary medical treatment, underscoring the state’s prioritization of their well-being.
Naxalites killed in the past
In the past eight years, there have been only two comparable encounters: one in 2016, where 31 Maoists were killed on the Andhra-Odisha border in Malkangiri, and another in November 2021, where 27 Maoists were killed in Gadchiroli.
The recent encounter underscores a notable increase in the assertiveness of security forces in Chhattisgarh in 2024, with 79 Naxalites already killed this year, a significant rise compared to the 22 killed throughout 2023. Following the latest incident, the tally stands at 55 Naxalites killed since February 25 alone, including 13 in a confrontation in Bijapur district in April, further illustrating the momentum gained by security forces.
