In a strong blow to left-wing insurgents, security forces in Chhattisgarh killed 14 Maoists in two separate encounters today. The clashes took place in Sukma and Bijapur districts, areas long affected by Maoist violence. Authorities said these operations are part of an intensified campaign to curb insurgency in the state.
The first encounter occurred early morning in a dense forest area of southern Sukma. Teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and other security units were on a planned search operation when they were fired upon by armed Maoists. A fierce exchange of gunfire followed, leaving 12 insurgents dead. Among them was Mangdu, the secretary of the Konta Area Committee, a key operational unit of the Maoists. Police said the encounter effectively dismantled the active cadre of this unit in the region.
In a separate operation in Bijapur district, two more Maoists were killed. Security personnel engaged the rebels in a brief gunfight, after which weapons including assault rifles and explosives were recovered. No casualties among security forces were reported in either encounter.
Officials said the operations reflect the government’s ongoing push to reduce Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh, particularly in Bastar, which remains a stronghold for insurgents. Last year, similar operations led to hundreds of Maoists being neutralised or surrendering, signalling a gradual weakening of the group.
The encounters come as authorities aim to make India free of Maoist violence by March 2026. Teams continue to search forests and nearby villages to ensure there are no remaining threats.
Local residents welcomed the operations, expressing hope for safer communities after years of fear and disruption caused by Maoist activities. The government described the incidents as a reminder that sustained security efforts can restore peace and stability in insurgency-hit regions.
These encounters highlight the challenges of combating left-wing extremism alongside the determined efforts of security forces to secure affected areas and protect civilians.
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