Raipur
A major encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh has resulted in the death of over 27 Naxals. The intense gun battle was still ongoing in the dense forests of Bhalu Diggi near Kulhadi Ghat.
The encounter resulted in the killing of several top Naxal commanders, including the Rs 1 crore reward carrying Jayram alias Chalpati.
Security forces from Chhattisgarh and Odisha conducted a joint operation that led to the encounter. Apart from the Naxalites, two security personnel have been injured.
A large cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered from the encounter site.
The search operation was still underway as security forces believe that the Naxal leader Balkrishna, along with 25 associates, is hiding in the area. For the first time, drones were used to track and target Naxalites in the dense forest.
The presence of top Naxal leaders in the Gariaband area suggests a shift in their operational base due to increased pressure in their traditional strongholds.
The encounter began on Tuesday night and has continued into the following days. The security forces, including DRG and CRPF Cobra, have surrounded the area and are conducting a thorough search operation. The encounter site is located in a remote and hilly region, making the operation challenging.
The Naxalites have been operating in the area for a long time and have a strong presence in the local population. However, the recent intensified security operations have led to significant losses for the Naxal organization.
The government has been trying to combat Naxalism through a combination of security operations and development initiatives. However, the Naxal problem continues to persist, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions of central India.
The recent encounter in Chhattisgarh is a major setback for the Naxal movement. The killing of several top Naxal commanders is likely to disrupt the organization’s operations in the region. However, the Naxalites are still a formidable force and it will take considerable time and effort to completely eradicate them.
