14 Naxalites killed in encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh
PTC News Desk: At least 14 Naxalites were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts, officials said.
In Sukma district, 12 Naxalites were killed during an encounter late on Friday evening. The operation was carried out by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from areas under the Kistaram police station. The gunfight took place near Pamlur village. Security forces said 12 Naxal cadres were shot dead, including Mangdu, the secretary of the Konta Area Committee.
The identities of the other Naxalites are yet to be confirmed. Weapons such as AK-47 and INSAS rifles were recovered from the spot. The operation was closely monitored by Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, and more details are awaited.
Earlier on Friday, two Naxalites were killed in another encounter in Bijapur district. The exchange of fire began around 5 am in a forest area when a DRG team launched an operation based on information about the presence of Maoist cadres. The bodies of two Naxalites were recovered from the site. Officials said firing was still going on intermittently and further information would follow.
Officials also said that last year, 285 Naxalites were killed in different encounters across Chhattisgarh. Of these, 257 were killed in the Bastar division, which includes seven districts such as Bijapur, while 27 were killed in Gariaband district of the Raipur division.
- With inputs from agencies
