In a significant development in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations, an exchange of fire broke out between security forces and Naxalites in the forested and hilly terrain of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday.
The engagement is currently underway in the northwestern region of the district, a region long affected by left-wing extremism. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, P. Sundarraj, confirmed the development.
"An exchange of fire is underway between Naxalites and security forces in the forest and hilly areas of the northwestern region of Bijapur district. More details awaited," IG Sundarraj was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Bijapur district lies in the highly sensitive Bastar region, which has been the epicenter of the decades-long Maoist insurgency. The area's dense forests and rugged topography have often been used by Naxalites as a strategic stronghold. The security forces, comprising units of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite CoBRA battalion, regularly conduct intelligence-based operations in these regions.
The current operation is believed to be part of these sustained efforts to curb Naxal activities and dismantle their infrastructure. Preliminary reports suggest the encounter began during a search and area domination operation by a joint team of security personnel.
As the encounter is still ongoing, precise details regarding casualties, if any, or the scale of the operation are yet to be confirmed. Senior police officials are closely monitoring the situation, and reinforcements have likely been rushed to the area.
The security forces have intensified operations across Bastar in recent months, leading to several engagements and the arrest or surrender of multiple Naxalites. These operations also aim to facilitate developmental work in remote areas by improving security conditions.
The encounter underscores the persistent security challenge in central India's Red Corridor. While significant gains have been made in reducing Naxal influence over the past decade, incidents like today's highlight the continuing volatility in certain core areas. The focus of security strategy remains a combination of direct action, winning civilian confidence through development, and encouraging Naxalites to surrender under state policies.
This is a developing story. Further updates are awaited regarding the outcome of the exchange and operational details from official sources.
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