In a significant blow to Left-Wing Extremism in the region, security forces gunned down twelve Naxalites in a fierce encounter in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The operation, which marks one of the most successful anti-Naxal actions this year, led to the recovery of a substantial cache of sophisticated automatic weapons and other materials from the site.
Details of the Sukma Encounter
The deadly firefight took place in the forests near Tekalgudem village within the Konta police station area. Acting on precise intelligence about the presence of a large Maoist cadre, a joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Bastar Fighters launched a targeted search operation in the early hours. Upon reaching the location, the security personnel were met with heavy gunfire from the Naxalites, who were positioned in the challenging terrain.
The forces retaliated effectively, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire. Once the area was secured after the Maoists retreated, the search of the encounter site revealed the bodies of twelve Naxalites. The security personnel conducted a thorough combing operation, which resulted in the recovery of a significant arsenal.
Weapons and Materials Seized
The haul from the encounter site underscores the armed capability of the insurgent group. The forces recovered:
- One INSAS rifle
- One .303 rifle
- One 315 bore rifle
- Two 12 bore rifles
- One BGL (Barrel Grenade Launcher)
- A large quantity of ammunition, explosives, and other daily-use Maoist materials
The recovery of such a diverse range of automatic and semi-automatic weapons is a major achievement for the security forces operating in the region.
Impact and Ongoing Operations
This encounter is a substantial setback for the Naxalite movement in the Bastar region, particularly for the PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army) Battalion No. 1. The elimination of a dozen armed cadres in a single operation disrupts their operational plans and morale. The identity of the slain Naxalites is being ascertained, and it is suspected that some of them may have been carrying rewards on their heads.
Following the operation, security has been heightened across the adjoining forest areas of Sukma and neighboring districts. Additional forces have been deployed to prevent any retaliatory action and to continue the pressure on the remaining Maoist units. The Chhattisgarh Police has commended the bravery and tactical execution of the DRG and Bastar Fighters personnel involved in this high-risk operation.
This successful encounter reaffirms the strategy of proactive intelligence-based operations by security forces in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. It highlights the continued challenges in the region while demonstrating the increasing operational effectiveness of the state's specialized units in tackling the Maoist insurgency.
