Lagatar24 Desk
RAIPUR: At least 10 Naxals were neutralized in a fierce encounter with security forces in the forested area of Bhandarpadar, Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, on Friday. The operation, launched during an early morning search for Naxals, also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including an AK-47, an INSAS, and a Self-Loading Rifle.
Details of the Operation
Inspector General (Bastar), P Sundarraj, confirmed the recovery of all 10 bodies and stated that the search operation in the area is ongoing. The operation is part of intensified efforts to curb Naxal activity in the region.
Progress in Anti-Naxal Operations
The encounter is another milestone in the government’s crackdown on Naxalism. So far in 2024:
•257 Naxals have been killed.
•861 Naxals have been arrested.
•789 Naxals have surrendered.
The number of fatalities due to Naxal violence has significantly declined, with deaths reducing by 90% from a peak of 1,005 in 2010 to 96 by September 2024.
Union Government’s Commitment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to make Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by 2026. Simultaneous and coordinated operations by security forces are being carried out to meet this target, with 2024 seeing notable progress in this direction.
