In a tragic incident, three soldiers from paramilitary forces lost their lives, and 14 others sustained injuries in an encounter with Maoists along the border of Sukma and Bijapur districts in Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred near Tekalgudem village when a joint team of security personnel was on a search operation. The security forces, comprising the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), had set up a new camp in Tekalgudem, a Maoist stronghold.
The encounter erupted when the personnel were conducting a search operation in the nearby Jonaguda-Aliguda villages. Maoists opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle between the security forces and the insurgents. The exact number of injured personnel is yet to be ascertained, and ongoing rescue operations are underway to evacuate the injured jawans from the forest.
Inspector General of Police, Sunderaj P., stated that the encounter took place after the establishment of the new security camp in the Maoist-affected region. The injured soldiers are being evacuated, and further details about the encounter are awaited.
Anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh have witnessed an increase since November 2023, reaching the highest levels in November and December of that year, as per state police data. The heightened efforts against Maoist activities include arrests and operations by security forces. In December 2023 alone, 59 Maoists were arrested, and a total of 173 were apprehended between July and December 2023. Additionally, 12 Maoists were killed in gunfights with security forces during this period.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Maoist-affected regions and the risks involved in combating insurgency. The government and security agencies continue to implement measures to address the Maoist threat and ensure the safety of both security personnel and civilians in affected areas.
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