Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 4 (HBTV): Security forces arrested 18 Naxalites and recovered explosives in an operation conducted across three different locations in Bijapur district.

According to the police, 10 Naxalites were arrested from the forests of Gunjeperti in the Usur police station area, along with explosives. Seven others were apprehended from the forests of Rajpenta in the Basaguda police station area. Additionally, a joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bhairamgarh police station led to the arrest of one Maoist in possession of explosives.

On February 9, security forces neutralised 31 Naxalites in the forests under the National Park area of Bijapur district.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the efforts of the security forces, describing the operations against the Naxals as a 'big success' in the effort to make India Naxal-free.

'In the direction of making India Naxal-free, the security forces have achieved a big success in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. In this operation, 31 Naxalites were killed, and a huge amount of arms and explosives were also recovered,' Shah wrote on X.

Two security personnel lost their lives, while two others were injured in the gunfight, officials said.

Shah expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

'Today, we have lost two of our brave soldiers in the effort to end anti-human Naxalism. This country will always be indebted to these heroes. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers,' he said.

'I also reiterate my resolve that before March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country so that no citizen has to lose their life due to it,' he added.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security personnel for their bravery.

'We have been fighting strongly against the Naxalites since we came to power. We praise our jawans for their bravery. Today, in Bijapur district, an encounter broke out between the jawans and the Naxals. Thirty-one Naxals were killed in this. I congratulate the jawans for this success. Two jawans lost their lives—may their souls rest in peace,' Sai told ANI.

(ANI)