A violent encounter broke out on Saturday (March 29, 2025) between security forces and Naxalites in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. As per the updates provided by officials, a total of 16 Naxals were killed during the gunfight, which occurred in a forest area under the Kerlapal police station. The Bastar IG Sundarraj P confirmed the fatalities, noting that the bodies of the Naxalites had been recovered from the site of the encounter, while the operation is still ongoing.

The encounter was part of a joint operation involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which began on the night of March 28, 2025. This operation was based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoist militants in the Kerlapal region of Sukma, which has been notorious for Naxal activities in the past.

Intense Operations and Security Efforts

Following the initiation of the operation, intermittent firing between the forces and Naxals continued through the early hours of March 29. Security forces are conducting an intensive search of the surrounding forest area, which is expected to provide more insights into the scale of Naxal presence in the region. The authorities have indicated that a detailed statement regarding the incident and the status of the operation will be issued once the search is completed.

Authorities also confirmed that two security personnel sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire. They were provided with immediate medical attention, and their condition is reported to be stable.

Naxal Activities in Chhattisgarh

Sukma is one of the most affected districts in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, which has witnessed repeated attacks by Naxal groups. This district, along with others in the region, has been the focus of extensive anti-Naxal operations by the state and central security forces. Just a day before this encounter, a jawaan was injured in an IED blast planted by Naxalites in Narayanpur district, highlighting the continuing threat posed by Maoist militants in the area.

Statements from Authorities

Amit Shah, India's Union Home Minister, expressed strong support for the security agencies and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism in the region. In a statement on social media, he said:
"Another strike on Naxalism! Our security agencies have neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, we are resolved to eradicate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026. My appeal to those with arms is that weapons and violence cannot bring change; only peace and development can."

The Bastar IG, Sundarraj P, also reported that the injured soldier from the IED blast in Narayanpur had received treatment and his condition was now stable after the initial medical care.

Ongoing Operations and Security Measures

As the security forces continue their search operations in Sukma and surrounding areas, the authorities remain on high alert, focusing on curbing Naxal activities and restoring peace in the Bastar region. With Naxalism still a significant challenge, the government is determined to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the citizens in these conflict-prone areas.

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