22 maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounters, one cop dies

In a significant victory for security forces, at least 22 Maoists were killed in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh, officials confirmed on Thursday. The clashes took place in Bijapur and Kanker districts, where joint operations were conducted by state police, BSF, and DRG personnel.

The larger operation occurred in Bijapur, where 18 Maoists were gunned down during an intense encounter. Unfortunately, a police jawan also lost his life in the firefight. Meanwhile, in Kanker district, security forces eliminated four Maoists in a separate operation. Search efforts are still underway, with officials looking for more bodies and evidence in the affected areas.

Authorities revealed that a joint team was deployed in the Gangalur police station area, which borders Bijapur and Dantewada districts. The operation was part of the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign, aimed at eradicating insurgent activities from the region. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the encounter sites, indicating a well-equipped Maoist presence in the area.

Reacting to the encounter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the security forces for their success. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, "Today, our soldiers have achieved another major success in the direction of 'Naxal Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'. 22 Naxalites were killed in two separate operations in Bijapur and Kanker."

Shah further emphasized that the Modi government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' policy against Maoists who refuse to surrender. He reiterated that the government is determined to make India Naxal-free before March 31, 2026. The campaign against insurgents has intensified, with multiple high-profile operations carried out in recent months.