Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 21 (HBTV): Security forces neutralised two Naxalites during an encounter in the forest area at the Bijapur-Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh, police said on Thursday.
During the exchange of fire, one personnel of the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost his life, police added.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, and search operations continue at the Bijapur-Dantewada border under the Gangaloor police station limits. Further details are awaited.
Last week, 17 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district, according to police officials.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav stated, ‘Today, 17 Naxalites have surrendered in Bijapur district. All the surrendered Naxalites were active in different capacities in the Gangaloor area committee of the outlawed Maoist organisation.’
In February, security forces arrested 18 Naxalites and recovered explosives in operations across three locations in Bijapur district.
According to police, 10 Naxalites were arrested from the forests of Gunjeperti in the Usur police station area, along with explosives. Seven others were arrested from the forests of Rajpenta in the Basaguda police station area. Additionally, a joint operation by the DRG and Bhairamgarh police led to the arrest of one Maoist with explosives.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and presented a master plan for Bastar’s development. The plan aims to transform Naxal-affected areas into hubs of infrastructure, industries, and tourism.
CM Sai informed the Prime Minister that Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is in its final phase. He stated that coordinated security strategies and public participation have significantly improved the situation in affected regions.
The joint efforts of state police and central forces have led to development in several Naxal strongholds, strengthening public trust in government initiatives. The state government is now focused on positioning Bastar as an emerging industrial and economic centre, creating employment opportunities and improving living standards for tribal communities.
(ANI)