In a major operation, security forces neutralized 10 Naxals during an encounter in the forested area of Bhandarpadar in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district early Friday morning. The gunfight broke out while the personnel were conducting a search operation targeting Naxal activity in the region.
Inspector General of Bastar, P. Sundarraj, confirmed the recovery of all 10 bodies and noted that the operation is ongoing. Among the weapons seized were an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS rifle, and a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), along with other arms.
This encounter adds to the tally of successes against Naxal forces in 2024. Since January, 257 Naxals have been killed, 861 arrested, and 789 others have surrendered. Notably, the number of Naxal-related deaths has dropped significantly—from 1,005 in 2010 to 96 as of September 2024.
For the first time in four decades, the annual death toll in 2022 fell below 100, highlighting the effectiveness of security measures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently declared that Chhattisgarh would be free of Naxals by 2026, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating extremism in the region. Coordinated operations by security forces are a key strategy in achieving this goal.
The success of such operations signals progress in restoring peace and security to affected regions.
