Daijiworld Media Network – Chhattisgarh

Sukma, Mar 1: In a fierce encounter between security forces and Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, at least two insurgents were gunned down in the Kistaram police station area on Saturday. The operation, which began early in the morning, is still ongoing, with intermittent clashes reported.

The encounter was part of a planned offensive by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the elite Cobra battalion, launched following intelligence reports of Maoist movement in the region. Security personnel are conducting an extensive search operation in and around the encounter site to track down any remaining insurgents.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai lauded the relentless efforts of security forces, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist influence from the state. "Our soldiers have consistently demonstrated exceptional bravery. Since our government took office, security operations have intensified, and we remain confident that their unwavering dedication will lead to lasting peace in Chhattisgarh," he said.

The latest encounter adds to a series of successful operations against Maoist insurgents in the Bastar region. In February alone, security forces eliminated at least 40 Maoists. On February 9, a major operation in Bijapur resulted in the killing of 31 Maoists, who collectively carried a bounty of ?1.10 crore. Prior to that, a high-ranking Maoist with an ?8 lakh bounty was neutralized on the Kanker-Narayanpur border on February 3. Additionally, on February 1, security forces eliminated eight Maoists in Bijapur’s Gangalur region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously stated that India’s anti-Naxal operations are in their final stages, asserting that Maoism will be completely eradicated from the country by March 2026. The ongoing offensives reflect the government’s determination to dismantle Maoist strongholds and restore peace in the insurgency-affected regions.