Security Forces Neutralize Two Maoist Cadres in Bijapur District Gunfight
In a significant operational success as the national deadline to eradicate Leftwing extremism approaches, two uniformed Maoists were eliminated in a fierce early morning gunfight along the Indravati river belt in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday. The encounter marks a critical advancement in the government's intensified campaign against insurgent activities in the region.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Fatal Engagement
Acting on precise intelligence regarding the presence of armed Maoist cadres, a joint team of security forces initiated a combing operation in the forested Jangla region. District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel established contact with the insurgents around 6 am, leading to a sustained exchange of fire. Officials confirmed that operations have been ramped up in light of the Centre's March 31 deadline to wipe out Red Terror from the country.
The slain individuals were identified as area committee members Hichami Madda and Manki Podiyam, both associated with the Bhairamgarh area committee. Police noted that each carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh for their capture, underscoring their significance within the Maoist hierarchy.
Substantial Arms and Equipment Seized Post-Encounter
Following the gunfight, security forces conducted a thorough sweep of the site, recovering a substantial cache of weapons and supplies. Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav detailed the seized items, which included:
- An SLR rifle with three magazines and 55 rounds
- An INSAS rifle with three magazines and 19 rounds
- A 12-bore gun with two cartridges
- Two hand grenades and two improvised hand grenades
- Detonators, scanner batteries, medicines, pouches, and other Maoist material
This recovery highlights the operational capabilities of the insurgents and the effectiveness of the security forces' response.
Large-Scale Search Operations Continue in the Region
Bastar range IG P Sundarraj announced that a comprehensive search operation is ongoing in the area, involving teams from DRG, Bastar Fighters, STF, CoBRA, and CRPF. A detailed assessment report will be shared upon completion. Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations and area domination efforts along the Indravati river corridor, a crucial movement route for Maoist squads in south Bastar.
In a clear message to remaining insurgents, IG Sundarraj urged active cadres to "choose the mainstream" and abandon violence, emphasizing the government's commitment to rehabilitation and a peaceful life for those who surrender.
Separate Operation Uncovers Major Maoist Arms Dump
In a concurrent development, Narayanpur police reported the discovery of a significant Maoist arms dump during an area domination patrolling (ADP) operation in the Kumuradi forest area. Based on specific intelligence, troops from CoBRA, ITBP, and district police recovered a large quantity of explosive material and improvised weapons, including:
- An improvised rocket launcher
- Heavy and light mortar shells
- Two improvised BGL launchers
- BGL cartridges of various sizes
- Dozens of short- and long-range BGL rounds
Officials stated that further search operations are continuing to tighten control over Maoist activity in the region.
Senior Woman Maoist Cadre Surrenders in Kanker District
In a notable development, divisional committee member Mase Barsa, a senior woman Maoist cadre, surrendered before police in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Wednesday evening. She emerged from the forest carrying an AK-47 rifle and formally turned herself over to authorities.
Police revealed that Mase had been active in the Maoist organization since 2003, operating across the Dandakaranya belt, Abujhmarh, and north Bastar. Her decision to abandon the outfit and rejoin the mainstream was facilitated by local representatives, who escorted her safely from the jungle to the Kanker SP office, where she met SP Nikhil Rakhhecha to complete the surrender process.
This series of operations and surrenders underscores the multifaceted approach being employed by security forces to combat Leftwing extremism, combining kinetic actions with appeals for rehabilitation as the March deadline looms.
