News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/15th June 2024
On Saturday, an intense encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmarh region in the Narayanpur district resulted in the deaths of at least eight Naxalites. The exchange of fire also claimed the life of one soldier, leaving two others injured.
The confrontation, which has been ongoing for two days in the Maad and Narayanpur districts, involves a joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 53rd Battalion. These forces have been conducting operations in the challenging terrain of the “Red Corridor,” a known stronghold of Naxalite activity.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai issued a statement on the encounter, affirming the government’s commitment to eliminating the Naxalite threat. “There is news of eight Naxalites being killed in an encounter with security forces between Farasbeda-Dhurbeda under PS Orchha of Narayanpur district. There is also sad news of one STF jawan being martyred and two jawans being injured in the encounter,” the Chief Minister said on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
The injured soldiers are being airlifted to Raipur for immediate medical treatment. Chief Minister Sai expressed his condolences for the martyred soldier and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. “Naxalites are disturbed by the strict action being taken against them. Our government is fully prepared to eliminate them, and we will not sit quiet until the goal is achieved,” he added.
The current operation is part of a broader, intensified effort against Naxalites in the region. Last month, security forces eliminated at least 12 Naxalites in the forests of the restive Bijapur district. This encounter lasted for eleven hours near Pidia village in the Gangaloor region, underscoring the prolonged and challenging nature of such operations.
Following the Bijapur encounter, Chief Minister Sai commended the security forces and officers involved in the operation. “Since the BJP has come to power in Chhattisgarh, actions against Naxalites have increased, and we are giving a strong fight to them. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji also wish that Naxalism should end, and people are getting the benefits of a double-engine government,” Sai stated.
The Chief Minister’s remarks highlight the intensified anti-Naxal measures taken by the current administration. On April 16, security forces gunned down 29 Naxalites in an encounter in the Kanker district, while another operation in the Abujhmarh region of Narayanpur resulted in the deaths of ten Naxalites. These operations demonstrate the significant efforts being made to tackle the insurgency and restore peace in the region.
The Naxalite insurgency has been a persistent issue in several states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The insurgents claim to fight for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities but have been involved in numerous violent activities, leading to widespread disruption and loss of life.
The recent encounter in Narayanpur is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the challenges faced by security forces in combating Naxalite insurgency. The government’s resolve to eliminate the Naxalite threat is evident in the continued and intensified operations in the region.
As security forces continue their operations, the situation remains tense, with efforts being made to prevent any retaliatory attacks by Naxalite groups. The dedication and bravery of the security personnel in these operations are commendable, as they work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
The encounters in Chhattisgarh highlight the complex and dangerous nature of counter-insurgency operations and the need for a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of the insurgency. The government’s commitment to both security measures and socio-economic development is crucial for achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
