Security Forces Neutralize 16 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh Encounter

Security forces have neutralized 16 Naxalites in an ongoing encounter in the Kerlapal area of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, an official said. Bastar Inspector General (IG) of Police, Sundarraj P, confirmed that 16 Naxals were killed, while two jawans sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire. The encounter began as part of a joint anti-Naxal operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday.

The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of Naxals in the Kerlapal area under Sukma police station limits. The joint team moved out for the search mission on March 28, and intermittent firing has continued since early morning on Saturday (March 29). Security forces are currently conducting an intensive search of the encounter site and the surrounding forested terrain. Sukma remains one of the worst-affected districts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which has witnessed several Naxal attacks in the past.

Earlier on Friday, a jawan was injured and hospitalized after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. Bastar Inspector General stated, “One jawan was injured during an IED blast planted by Maoists near Bedmakoti. The injured soldier is receiving first aid at the District Hospital in Narayanpur.” After initial treatment, the IG confirmed that the condition of the injured soldier had stabilized.

On March 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that Naxalism would be eradicated from the country by March 31, 2026. He stated that between 2004 and 2014, there were 16,463 violent incidents, but in the last ten years, this number has decreased by 53%. The number of security personnel martyred from 2004 to 2014 was 1,851, but in the past decade, it dropped to 509, marking a 73% reduction. Civilian deaths also declined from 4,766 to 1,495, a 70% decrease.

Shah further highlighted significant development efforts in Naxal-affected areas. From 2014 to 2024, 11,503 kilometers of highways and 20,000 kilometers of rural roads were constructed. Additionally, in the first phase, 2,343 mobile towers were installed, followed by 2,545 more in the second phase. The work of installing 4,000 additional mobile towers is still ongoing, and by December 1, the entire Naxal-affected region is expected to have mobile connectivity.

The encounter in Sukma underscores the continued efforts by security forces to combat Naxal insurgency in the region. As operations intensify, authorities remain focused on eliminating Naxal presence while improving infrastructure and connectivity in affected areas.