Two Maoists, One Woman, Killed in Encounter with Security Forces in Jharkhand

Two Maoists, one of them a woman, were neutralized in a gun battle with security forces in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on Wednesday morning. The encounter occurred in a thick forest area near Sonua, which is about 80 kilometers from the district headquarters.
DIG Manoj Ratan Chothe of Kolhan Range said that in the early hours, security forces had launched a search operation when the Maoists, who were hiding in the jungle, opened indiscriminate fire on them. The forces retaliated and a fierce gun battle ensued in which two insurgents lost their lives.
Weapons Recovered, Search Operations Continue
Two INSAS rifles were recovered from the spot by security personnel after the encounter. The identity of the dead Maoists could not be ascertained and further investigations are on.
The officials said that search operations are still on in the forest area as more Maoist operatives might be present in the area. Security forces are making sure that the area is completely cleared of any potential threats.
Maoist Ambush Plan
The authorities feel that the Maoists had been lying in wait to ambush security personnel. No sooner did the forces advance into the jungle than they came under heavy gunfire from the rebels. The security forces retaliated effectively, managing to eliminate two Maoists.
This is part of an all-out anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand, which has been experiencing insurgency for long. The government and security forces are not relenting on their efforts to dislodge Maoist influence in the entire region.
Surge in Surveillance in Maoist-Hit Areas
There is a surge in surveillance in Maoist-hit areas of Jharkhand, focusing more on intelligence-led operations. The government has again informed its commitment to doing away with extremist threats and ensuring peace in the region.
Meanwhile, security forces remain vigilant, keeping the locals safe and preventing any further Maoist-led violence.