In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between security forces and Maoist insurgents, a major encounter took place in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district resulting in the deaths of 29 Maoists and injuries to three security personnel.
The encounter site, situated near Hidur and Kalpar villages, bore the marks of the fierce battle that unfolded. Bullet-ridden trees and bloodstains on the ground painted a grim picture of the violent clash that occurred. Local villagers, mostly women, appeared hesitant to discuss the events surrounding the encounter, indicating the tense atmosphere in the region.
Lingaram, a resident of Akameta village, revealed that his cousin Sukku, who was involved with the Maoist movement from a young age, was among those killed in the confrontation. Despite attempts by family members to dissuade him, Sukku remained committed to the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group.
The area where the encounter took place is known to be a stronghold of the North Bastar Division Committee of Maoists, accessible only through challenging dirt roads and forest paths. The Kotri river, critical for access to the region, lacks a bridge due to local opposition, hindering development efforts.
Eyewitness accounts describe hearing gunfire and seeing security forces launch a counter-insurgency operation on the evening of April 15. The ensuing battle lasted for approximately four hours, resulting in the highest single-incident casualties for Maoists in the state’s history of anti-insurgency operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma applauded the operation as a “surgical strike,” attributing its success to the bravery of the security personnel involved.This encounter underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh’s remote regions, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the risks faced by both sides in this enduring conflict.
