Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 1 (HBTV): After 16 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized that both the Chhattisgarh and Central governments are focused on peace and will implement a strong surrender policy, ensuring no inconvenience to anyone.

He also stated that security forces had recovered AK-47 rifles and other incriminating materials after the encounter.

Security forces in Chhattisgarh neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in a major encounter in the Kerlapal area of Sukma district on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, ‘The bodies of 16 Naxals have been recovered along with AK-47s, and other incriminating materials have also been seized... The Chhattisgarh government and the Central government do not want to fire bullets. We are working together with a very good surrender policy. There will be no inconvenience to anyone...’

Earlier, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan confirmed the recovery of 16 Naxal bodies from the site.

‘Two of our jawans sustained injuries during the operation and are being evacuated for medical attention,’ Chavan said.

Security forces also seized a large cache of sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), and INSAS rifles from the area.

‘This can be called one of the biggest encounters Sukma has seen to date,’ Chavan added.

Officials stated that the identities of the slain Naxals are yet to be ascertained. The exchange of fire began following a joint anti-Naxal operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday.

According to officials, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of Naxals in the Kerlapal area under Sukma police station limits. The joint team moved out for the search mission on March 28, and intermittent firing had continued since early morning on March 29.

Security forces are currently conducting an intensive search of the encounter site and surrounding forested terrain.

Sukma is one of the worst-affected districts in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, which has witnessed several Naxal attacks in the past.

(ANI)