Chhattisgarh Naxal Encounter: 9 Naxals Killed in Fierce Gun Battle with Police

In a significant development, nine Naxalites were reportedly killed in an intense encounter with police forces in the dense forests of Lohagaon-Pidia, located on the border between Dantewada and Bijapur districts in Chhattisgarh. The encounter took place early on September 3, following a tip-off about Maoist movements in the area.

According to the police, the exchange of fire occurred when the security forces encountered members of the PLGA (People's Liberation Guerrilla Army) Company Number-2. During the operation, the forces successfully neutralized nine Naxals and recovered several weapons, including SLRs, 303 rifles, and 12-bore firearms from the site. Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Yadav, confirmed the incident and the recovery of the bodies.

Maoist Movement Triggers Operation

The encounter is part of an ongoing effort to combat Naxal activities in the region. On September 3, security forces were conducting a search operation when they received intelligence regarding Maoist movements in the West Bastar Division. The gunfight commenced around 10:30 AM and continued intermittently throughout the morning as both sides exchanged heavy fire.

Recent Operations and Successes

This is not the first encounter in recent weeks. On August 29, during an "anti-Naxal" operation, police forces engaged with Naxals along the Narayanpur-Kanker border, resulting in the elimination of three Naxal operatives. The ongoing "anti-Naxal" operations have been particularly active, with several Naxals being apprehended or killed by security forces throughout August.

Earlier in August, security forces achieved significant success in Dantewada when they killed a hardcore Naxalite during a similar operation. The forces had to cross the swollen Indravati River during the monsoon season to reach the Naxal hideouts, where they launched an attack on the temporary camps of the Naxals. Although many Naxalites managed to escape by taking advantage of the dense forest, the operation dealt a significant blow to their activities.

The security forces continue their efforts to dismantle Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, with ongoing operations in the region to ensure the safety and security of the local population.