Kawardha (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 17 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma condemned the Bijapur Naxal attack as a ‘cowardly act’ and expressed concern over the widespread use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by Naxals. Two jawans were injured in the blast.

Speaking to ANI about the incident, Deputy CM Sharma said, ‘This is a cowardly act of Naxals. They have planted IEDs everywhere. Security personnel, civilians, and animals are also falling victim to these devices. Yesterday, two security personnel were injured by an IED. Both have been admitted to the hospital and are safe.’

He further informed that one jawan sustained a leg injury, while the other suffered facial injuries.

According to Bijapur Police, the pressure IED was planted by Naxalites near Putkel village under the Basaguda police station area on Thursday morning. The injured jawans were promptly evacuated, and their condition is reported to be stable.

The blast occurred amid intensified anti-Naxal operations by security forces in Bijapur.

Earlier, on January 12, five Naxalites, including two women, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur. During the operation, security forces recovered several weapons, including one SLR rifle, one 12-bore rifle, two single-shot rifles, one BGL launcher, and one locally made Bharmar gun, along with explosives, Maoist literature, and other Naxal materials.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had lauded the courage of the security forces following the encounter. ‘We salute the courage of our security forces. They have been fighting strongly against Naxalism for the past year and have achieved significant success, which has been praised by everyone. Our Prime Minister’s mission to eliminate Naxalism by 2026 will definitely be achieved,’ the CM stated.

On January 11, a CRPF jawan was also injured in an IED blast planted by Naxalites in Bijapur.

(ANI)