Chhattisgarh: 30 Maoists, jawan killed in encounter with security forces

In Chhattisgarh, at least 30  Maoists died in separate encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts, while one police jawan was also killed during exchange of fire.The gunfight in Bijapur began around 7 am along the district's border with Dantewada when a joint team of security personnel was out an anti-Naxalite operation in Gangaloor police station area. Bodies of 26 Maoists were recovered, along with firearms and explosives. Amid the exchange of fire between the State Task Force and District Reserve Guard, and the Maoists, one jawan was killed.
In Kanker, four Maoists died in exchange of fire reported near Koroskodo village. Operations by special forces are continuing in both locations. According to official sources, the operation was carried out by a joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) 210, and the Special Task Force (STF). The official sources added one personnel of DRG was martyred during the operation.Along with the bodies of the Maoists, a large cache of weapons and ammunitions was also found at the site of the encounter.
Union home minister Amit Shah, in a post on X  said, “Today our soldiers have achieved another major success in the direction of 'Naxal Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'. 22 Naxalites were killed in 2 separate operations of our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker of Chhattisgarh.” He added, “The Modi government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against Naxalites and is adopting a zero tolerance policy against those Naxalites who are not surrendering despite all the facilities ranging from surrender to inclusion. The country is going to be Naxal-free before 31 March next year.”