Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – A fierce gunbattle between security forces and Naxalites broke out early Thursday morning in a forested area along the Bijapur-Dantewada border in Bastar division. The encounter, which began around 7 a.m., resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Naxalites and one police jawan.
According to officials, the slain jawan was part of the Chhattisgarh Police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) unit. He was engaged in a joint anti-Naxalite operation in the Gangaloor Police Station area when the violent clash erupted.
Details of the Operation
The operation, which is part of ongoing efforts to combat Naxalite insurgency in the region, continues as of now. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of 18 Naxalites, along with a significant amount of arms and explosives, have been recovered from the site of the encounter. Sundarraj P, the Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, stated that the security forces are still actively engaged in operations in the area.
“We are working on a systematic sweep of the region, and the encounter remains ongoing as of now,” said Sundarraj.
The Naxalites’ Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC)
This encounter comes at a time when the Naxals have launched their annual Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC), a period of intensified attacks during the summer months, from March to June. The TCOC is a strategic move by Naxalite groups aimed at exploiting the operational challenges faced by security forces during the season, such as the onset of the monsoon and reduced visibility due to overgrown vegetation.
The TCOC often involves large-scale assaults on government properties, security forces, and vehicles engaged in infrastructure development. In the past, this period has seen devastating incidents with heavy casualties among soldiers. Notable attacks include:
- April 3, 2021: 22 soldiers killed in Tekalguda on the Sukma-Bijapur border.
- March 21, 2020: 17 soldiers killed in a Naxalite attack in Minapa, Sukma.
- April 2017: 25 soldiers killed in Burkapal, Sukma district.
Recent Gains by Security Forces
Despite the usual surge in Naxalite activity during the TCOC, recent years have seen significant setbacks for the insurgents. In 2023 and 2024, enhanced security measures and tactical operations by the forces have led to major successes against Naxal groups. For instance, in 2024, security forces have killed 217 Naxalites, with two significant encounters:
- On April 15, 2024, 29 Naxals were killed in Chhote Bethia, Kanker district.
- On October 4, 2024, 38 Naxalites were killed in a confrontation in Narayanpur and Thulthuli, Dantewada district.
In 2023, soldiers engaged in 22 encounters during the TCOC period, leading to the deaths of four hardcore Naxalites. Additionally, security forces arrested 150 Naxalites and witnessed the surrender of 78 militants.
Ongoing Security Operations
The battle against Naxalism in Bastar remains far from over. However, with recent successes and a clear strategy in place, security forces are determined to curb the Naxalite menace, even as these insurgent groups attempt to regroup and escalate their attacks under the TCOC.
Authorities are urging civilians in the affected areas to remain cautious as the situation evolves, and the operation continues to unfold.
