One Naxalite Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter, Security Forces Step Up Operations

One Naxalite was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in a forested area along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh, officials told PTI.

According to the police, the exchange of fire broke out during an anti-Naxal operation when a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Narayanpur and Dantewada, along with the Special Task Force (STF), was patrolling the inter-district border region. One Naxalite’s body has been recovered so far, they added.

The latest encounter comes as Chhattisgarh intensifies its crackdown on Maoist groups. Earlier this week, on September 3, 20 Naxalites surrendered in Sukma district, 11 of whom carried a combined bounty of ₹33 lakh. Among those who laid down arms were nine women, including a senior cadre of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion number 1 — once regarded as the Maoists’ most formidable fighting unit.

Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the surrendered cadres cited disillusionment with the “hollow” Maoist ideology, atrocities committed on innocent tribals, and increasing internal rifts within the banned outfit as reasons for their decision.

Centre Reiterates Resolve to Eliminate Naxalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently underscored the Modi government’s determination to eradicate Naxalism. Speaking in New Delhi on August 3, while felicitating CRPF, Chhattisgarh Police, DRG, and CoBRA personnel for their role in Operation Black Forest, Shah hailed the bravery of the forces, calling it a “golden chapter” in the history of anti-Naxal operations.

“The Modi government will not rest until all Naxalites either surrender, are caught, or eliminated. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to making India Naxal-free,” Shah said, in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.