In a recent incident in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, a fierce gun-battle erupted between security personnel and Naxalite insurgents, resulting in a woman militant sustaining serious injuries. The encounter took place during a search operation conducted by a joint team of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and local police in the forests of Urpanjhur village.
The operation was initiated by the BSF’s 178th battalion and Kanker police from Mendra camp under Pratappur police station limits, with the objective of targeting the Maoist stronghold in Markachua village. The operation commenced on Friday night and quickly escalated when the troops encountered armed Naxalites around 9 pm, leading to an intense exchange of fire.
Amidst the chaos, security forces discovered an injured woman Naxalite at the scene, identified as Fagni, a member of the RKB division of Maoists. Fagni is the wife of Vinod, the commander of the Madanwada Local Organisation Squad (LOS) of Maoists. Alongside her, a single-shot gun was also recovered, highlighting the armed nature of the encounter.
During the gunfight, a BSF constable named Vikas Singh sustained minor injuries but was promptly provided with preliminary medical treatment at the camp. His condition is reported to be stable and out of danger. As for Fagni, she was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention for her severe injuries.
Despite the clash and the subsequent injuries, the security forces have maintained an active search operation in the area. The aim is to neutralize any remaining Naxalite presence and restore peace to the region. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by security personnel in countering the Naxalite insurgency in Chhattisgarh, which has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence and armed confrontations.
Efforts to tackle the Naxalite threat continue to be a priority for the local administration, with a focus on improving intelligence gathering, enhancing security operations, and implementing socio-economic development initiatives in affected areas. The incident in Kanker district highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency and to bring about lasting peace and stability in the region.
As the injured Naxalite receives medical care, authorities will analyze the recovered weapon and gather intelligence to further strengthen their operations against the Maoist groups. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by both security personnel and militants in the ongoing conflict, and underlines the importance of continued efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the deep-seated issues underlying the insurgency in Chhattisgarh.