Security Forces Crush Maoists in Intense Sukma Encounter

 

In a significant development in the ongoing fight against Maoist terrorism, security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with Maoists in the core area of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, resulting in the confirmed deaths of two Maoists.

 

The joint operation, which involved several security units including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, 206 Cobra Battalion, and 241 CRPF Battalion, took place along the banks of the Chintavagu River, a well-known Maoist stronghold.

 

The operation commenced on September 23, 2024, when intelligence reports confirmed the presence of Maoists from the Jagargunda Area Committee and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion near the Chintalnar region.

 

Acting on this crucial tip, security forces launched a large-scale anti-Naxal operation, moving towards the villages of Karkanaguda, Marakaguda, Kumodtong, and Morpalli.

 

The dense forests and hilly terrain in the region provided the Maoists with a strategic advantage, but the security forces were prepared for a long, challenging operation.

 

As security forces began their combing operation, they were met with heavy resistance from Maoists who had taken positions along the Chintavagu River and the surrounding forested hills.

 

The Maoists, armed with modern weaponry including sniper rifles, BGLs (grenade launchers), and automatic firearms, launched an ambush on the forces.

 

The gunfight began around 3:00 AM on September 23 and lasted intermittently through the early hours of the morning.

 

Despite the challenging circumstances, including the rough terrain and flooding in the Chintavagu River due to the monsoon, the security forces managed to maintain their positions and responded with heavy fire, forcing the Maoists to retreat.

 

The terrorists, realising they were outmatched, took advantage of the thick forest cover and continuous rains to escape.

 

In the midst of the chaos, the Maoists managed to retrieve the bodies of two of their slain comrades, although security officials confirmed their deaths through intelligence.

 

The encounter, which lasted until noon on September 24, saw intense firing from both sides. However, due to the tactical planning and coordination of the security forces, no personnel from the security team sustained any injuries.

 

The operation was hailed as a significant success, especially considering the adverse weather conditions and the rugged, dangerous terrain in which it was conducted.

 

Following the encounter, security forces launched a detailed search of the area, during which they discovered a Maoist temporary camp near the Chintavagu River.

 

The camp, which was subsequently destroyed by the forces, contained a large cache of supplies and materials, indicating that the terrorists had been using the site as a base for their operations.

 

 

The recovered items included explosive materials such as pipe bombs, gelatin rods, detonators, and other weaponry.

 

Additionally, the forces seized a variety of Maoist supplies, including uniforms, backpacks, hand grenades, bows and arrows, and notebooks.

 

Some of the more crucial findings were a batch of electrical wires, a pen drive with an adapter, and Maoist propaganda material, which could provide valuable intelligence for future operations.

 

This encounter marks a critical achievement in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh. Senior officials overseeing the operation commended the security forces for their courage and resilience in the face of challenging conditions.

 

They emphasised that the Maoists’ retreat and the seizure of their materials dealt a significant blow to the Maoists’ capabilities in the region.

 

Sukma has long been considered one of the hotbeds of Maoist activity, and operations such as this are crucial in dismantling their networks.

 

Security forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the area, with more operations expected in the coming weeks.

 

The successful operation underscores the determination of security forces to root out Maoist terrorism from the region.

 

Despite the challenges posed by the monsoon and difficult terrain, the forces managed to strike a decisive blow against the Maoists, further weakening their stronghold in Sukma.