Gun battle breaks out between security forces and naxals in Bastar

An encounter broke out on Friday between security forces and Naxalites along the Narayanpur–Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division following a search operation launched on intelligence inputs about Maoist movement in the East Bastar region, officials stated.According to officials, intermittent firing continued through most of the day as joint teams of security personnel engaged Maoist cadres in the dense forest terrain. So far, the body of a woman Maoist has been recovered from the site. Security forces also seized a .303 rifle, two Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGL), and several daily-use items.
According to information,the operation began in the early hours of September 5 and remains ongoing. Authorities are withholding further details in view of the safety of personnel still engaged in the field. Senior officials said the prolonged gun battle indicates the presence of a sizeable Maoist group in the area, prompting intensified cordon-and-search operations to prevent rebels from escaping.This encounter comes weeks after a Chhattisgarh Police District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan and two other personnel were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast planted by Maoists in Bijapur district. Just two days before that incident, Jharkhand Police foiled a major Naxal plot in West Singhbhum district, killing a CPI (Maoist) area commander, identified as Arun alias Varun alias Nilesh Madkam, during an encounter.
The latest clash underscores the continuing Maoist influence in Bastar, a region that remains among the most sensitive zones in India’s fight against Left Wing Extremism, despite years of counter-insurgency operations.Officials stated that a detailed briefing will be issued once the ongoing operation concludes and a clearer assessment is available.

(Asstt.Editor)