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A fierce encounter broke out in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, as joint security forces conducted an anti-Naxal operation. One Naxalite was killed, and an AK-47 recovered. Top Maoist leader Ramdher Majjhi recently surrendered, marking progress toward Naxal-free status in multiple states.
Security Forces Launch Intensive Anti-Naxal Operation in Bijapur Forests
Bijapur: A fierce encounter broke out between security forces and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday. A joint team of police and other security forces was in the forest for an anti-Naxal operation. Firing began around 7:30 a.m., and one Naxalite was killed during the encounter. Police confirmed this and said an AK-47 rifle was also recovered from the encounter site.
A police officer stated that the exchange of fire is still ongoing. Further details will be shared once the operation is complete. Security forces have launched an intensive search operation in the area to apprehend other suspected Naxalites.
Top Naxalite Ramdher Majjhi surrenders; Maharashtra, MP and now Chhattisgarh too declared Naxal-free
With this encounter, at least 23 Maoists have been killed in various operations in the state so far this year. Previously, on January 3, 14 Maoists were killed in two encounters in the Bastar region. The Bastar region comprises seven districts, including Bijapur.
Last year, security forces launched several operations in Chhattisgarh to crack down on Maoist activities. A total of 285 Maoists were killed in these encounters. The government and security forces have largely controlled Maoist violence in the state.
Chhattisgarh: Over a dozen Naxalites killed in Sukma and Bijapur; Full details inside
The central government has set a deadline of March 31 this year to completely eliminate left-wing extremism, or Maoist violence, from the country. State and central security agencies are jointly conducting operations to this end.
Security force deployment has been increased in the Bijapur and Bastar regions. Search operations are ongoing in forests and Naxal-affected areas. Officials say these operations are essential for civilian safety and the public has been urged to immediately report suspicious activities to the police.
