India: Senior Naxalite leader among 29 killed in Chhattisgarh operation; 3 security personnel injured

A prominent Maoist leader named Shankar Rao was among at least 29Naxalites killed by security forces during an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Tuesday (April 16). Additionally, a significant cache of weapons, including four AK-47 assault rifles, was seized. The encounterreportedly began after 1:30 pm and was a joint operation between the District Reserve Guard, established in 2008 to counter Maoist activities in the state, and the Border Security Force.

"A large number of naxals have been neutralised...I would like to congratulate the jawans of the security forces...We are all working under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai. Union HM Amit Shah is giving us guidance...All that is necessary will be done. There will be no laxity...In times to come, all efforts will be made to ensure a naxal-free Bastar...Government is ready for dialogue. A solution should come out through dialogue and discussions and there should be peace in Bastar..." Deputy CM Vijay Sharma said, as quoted by ANI.

The three policemen injured in the encounter are now out of danger. The injured jawans are being airlifted for better treatment.

During the operation, the BSF team had to faceintense gunfire from the insurgents. The BSF retaliatedby returning fire, leading to a fierce gun battle.

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Last month, there was another fight in the district. Two people, a Maoist and a cop, were killed, and security forces found a gun, explosives, and other suspicious items. The DRG and Bastar Fighters, both parts of the state police force, along with the Border Security Force, were involved in that operation. They were patrolling a forested area when they were attacked, leading to the shootout. Also, in February, three Maoists were killed in another fight in Kanker.

(With inputs from agencies)