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A gunfight between security forces and alleged Maoists took place in a forest area under Kerlapal police station, Sukma, during an anti-Maoist operation. Two jawans were injured, and 16 Maoists were killed.
In a significant operation against Maoist insurgents, 16 alleged Maoists were killed, and two jawans were injured in a fierce gunfight in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. The encounter took place in a dense forest area under the Kerlapal police station jurisdiction, where a joint team of security forces was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation. The operation highlights the ongoing battle between security forces and Maoist rebels in the region, which has long been a hotbed of insurgency.
The gunbattle erupted on March 28, 2025, when a joint team comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the District Reserve Guard (DRG), and the Special Task Force (STF) launched an anti-Maoist operation in the forested terrain of Sukma, a district that lies at the heart of the Maoist-affected Bastar region. This area has been notorious for its dense forests and challenging geography, providing the perfect hideouts for Maoist rebels.
The forces were reportedly acting on intelligence about a Maoist camp operating in the forested region. As the team closed in on the area, they were ambushed by a group of heavily armed insurgents, leading to a protracted exchange of gunfire that lasted for several hours. The security forces, well-prepared for such encounters, retaliated fiercely, resulting in the elimination of 16 suspected Maoists. Additionally, two jawans sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were promptly evacuated for medical treatment.
Chhattisgarh has been one of the primary battlegrounds in the ongoing struggle between the Indian government and Maoist insurgents, also known as Naxalites. The insurgents, who seek to overthrow the government through armed rebellion, have long used the dense forests of Chhattisgarh and its surrounding states as their stronghold.
To combat the insurgency, the state and central government forces have ramped up counter-insurgency operations over the years. The joint teams involved in the Sukma encounter have been specially trained to navigate the difficult terrain and combat Maoist rebels, who often use guerrilla tactics and are familiar with the forest surroundings.
The security forces involved in the operation were armed with modern weaponry and surveillance equipment, including drones and thermal imaging devices, which enabled them to track and pinpoint the positions of the Maoists. The forces also relied on local intelligence and informants to identify the movement of the insurgents in the area.
The death of 16 alleged Maoists in the encounter marks a significant blow to the insurgent group operating in the region in Sukma. The bodies of the slain Maoists have been recovered, and their identities are being verified.
Authorities have stated that some of the slain rebels are believed to be senior members of the Maoist cadre, though their exact roles are still being determined.
However, the operation was not without its costs. Two jawans from the security forces sustained injuries during the fierce exchange of gunfire. The injured soldiers were immediately evacuated from the scene and are currently being treated for their wounds. The condition of the injured jawans is reportedly stable, and both are expected to make a full recovery.
Chhattisgarh has been grappling with Maoist insurgency for over two decades. The state’s dense forests, combined with a history of socio-economic disparity and tribal unrest, have provided fertile ground for the Naxalite movement to thrive. The Maoists, who primarily target government forces, often attack police stations, security camps, and infrastructure projects. They rely on hit-and-run tactics, using the forest as their shield to escape from security forces.
The state government, with assistance from the central government, has intensified operations against the Maoists in recent years. These efforts have yielded mixed results, with some operations resulting in significant gains, such as the Sukma encounter, while others have faced challenges due to the difficult terrain and Maoist tactics.
The recent gunfight in Sukma serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge posed by Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh. While the operation resulted in the death of 16 rebels and the injury of two jawans, it underscores the ongoing efforts by the security forces to root out the insurgency and restore peace to the region.
Despite the success of this operation, the Maoist movement remains resilient, and the fight is far from over. The security forces continue to carry out operations, often at great personal risk, to ensure that law and order are maintained. The Chhattisgarh government, along with its counterparts at the national level, is committed to reducing Maoist influence in the state, but this remains a long-term challenge that will require continued vigilance, resources, and coordination.
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