10 Naxals killed in encounter in Sukma

At least 10 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district today. The forces have also recovered several weapons, including an AK-47 rifle. The gunfight erupted early Friday morning in the forested area of Bhandarpadar when the security personnel were conducting a search operation for Naxals.

Inspector General Bastar, P Sundarraj confirmed that the search operation is still underway in the area and all 10 bodies have been recovered, reports news agency ANI. Besides the AK-47, the forces also recovered an INSAS and a Self-Loading Rifle among other weapons, he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces, while asserting that his government’s priority is to establish peace, facilitate development and ensure the safety of citizens in the Bastar region.

“Security forces gunned down 10 Naxalites in a major operation in Sukma district this morning. The state government has been working on the policy of zero tolerance towards Naxalism. Ensuring development, peace and safety of citizens in Bastar is the top priority of the state government. The era of peace, development and progress has returned to Bastar,” news agency PTI quoted Sai sas saying in a statement. “We are moving forward in a planned manner towards fulfilling the target set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate Naxalites from Chhattisgarh by March 2026.”