An encounter between security forces and Naxals is ongoing since 9 AM on Thursday at the Bijapur-Sukma border in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. According to the latest reports, the firefight between the two sides continues intermittently. As of now, 12 Naxals have been confirmed dead, and their bodies have been brought to the Nambi camp near Usur for identification. However, some sources report that up to 17 Naxals may have been killed, although this has not been officially confirmed yet.
Location of the Encounter and Operation Details
The encounter is taking place in the dense forests of Pujari Kanker and Marudbakka under Bijapur district. The operation was launched after receiving intelligence about the presence of a large number of Naxals in the South Bastar area. Security forces including the DRG Bijapur, DRG Sukma, DRG Dantewada, and COBRA battalions 204, 205, 206, 208, 210, along with CRPF teams, jointly moved into the area for an anti-Naxal operation. Upon seeing the forces, the Naxals opened fire, leading to an ongoing firefight.
Naxals Killed in the Encounter
As of late Thursday night, Bijapur police confirmed that 12 Naxals had been killed in the operation. While initial reports suggested that 17 Naxals had died in the clash, this figure has not yet been officially verified. Among the Naxals killed, reports indicate that there were women militants as well. The bodies of the slain Naxals have been transported to the Nambi camp, where the identification process is underway.
Senior officers, including Bastar IG Sunderraj P and CRPF IG, are closely monitoring the operation. Security forces are continuing their search in the forested areas, expecting further developments.
Recent Encounters in 2025
This encounter is part of a series of ongoing clashes between security forces and Naxals in 2025. So far, in the first few weeks of the year, there have been several significant encounters. On January 3, three Naxals were killed in an encounter in Gariaband district. A few days later, on January 5, another encounter took place in the dense forests of Abujhmad, where five Naxals were killed. On January 9, an encounter occurred in the border area between Sukma and Bijapur districts, resulting in the death of three Naxals. Most recently, on January 12, another encounter in Bijapur’s Madde area claimed the lives of three more Naxals.
Major Encounters in 2024
In 2024, the Bastar region witnessed several major encounters. On November 22, 2024, in Sukma, security forces killed 10 Naxals, including a top Naxal commander involved in several violent attacks. On October 4, 2024, a large-scale operation in the forests of Abujhmad resulted in the death of 38 Naxals, marking one of the biggest encounters in recent years. Similarly, in September 2024, nine Naxals were killed in a clash in Dantewada, and in July, five Naxals were killed in Narayanpur during a security operation.
Ongoing Struggle Against Naxalism
The ongoing clashes highlight the persistent presence of Naxal groups in the Bastar region. Despite heavy resistance, security forces have been making significant progress in dismantling Naxal networks. The Naxals have been engaging in guerrilla tactics, often ambushing security forces, but the disciplined operations of security agencies are steadily weakening their influence in the region.
In conclusion, the fight against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh remains intense, with multiple clashes reported across districts. Security forces have been able to neutralize several Naxal cadres in early 2025, demonstrating their continued commitment to restoring peace in the region. These operations are crucial in curbing the Naxal insurgency and ensuring the safety of local populations.
BY – KARTIK
