Raipur: Security forces have eliminated 113 Maoists in Chhattisgarh over the past 80 days, with 30 insurgents killed in two major encounters in Bijapur and Kanker on Thursday. A District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan also lost his life in the operation.
Bijapur’s Gangaloor Witnesses Major Clash
Bastar range IG P Sundarraj confirmed that the larger of the two encounters occurred in Bijapur’s Gangaloor, a stronghold of Maoist activity. This marks the first major operation in the region since the surrender of Maoist commander Dinesh Modiyam on March 3. A staggering 26 of Modiyam’s former comrades were killed in the gunfight.
Security forces from Bijapur and Sukma DRG, CoBRA commandos, and CRPF personnel launched the operation following intelligence inputs about Maoist presence. The gunfight began around 7 am and continued intermittently until noon. When the dust settled, 26 Maoist bodies were recovered, and several senior cadres were taken into custody.
Meanwhile, in Kanker, a joint DRG-BSF team targeted Maoists of the North Bastar Marh division, killing four insurgents and recovering a cache of explosives and weapons, including Insas rifles, AK-47s, and SLRs.
Government’s Response and ‘Naxal-Free India’ Goal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the forces, stating:
“Our soldiers have achieved another major success in the ‘Naxal-Free India Campaign.’ The Modi government is taking a ruthless approach against Naxals. While we provide opportunities for surrender and reintegration, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy against those who refuse to lay down arms. The country is set to be Naxal-free by March 31 next year.”
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai also honored the sacrifice of DRG jawan Raju Oyam, vowing that the fight against Naxalism will continue with full strength.
Ongoing Operations Across Bastar Division
Security forces continue operations in multiple Bastar districts, particularly in Bijapur, Sukma, and Dantewada, where Maoist influence remains strong. The Bastar police confirmed that the search and combing operations are still active, particularly in forests bordering Bijapur and Dantewada.
With 287 Maoists neutralized in Bastar last year, the forces remain committed to dismantling insurgent networks and restoring peace in the region.
