NEW DELHI: As many as 22 jawans were martyred, and 31 suffered injuries in the encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Security forces have launched an operation along the Sukma-Bijapur border, where an intense face-off resulted in the deaths of 22 jawans. Two soldiers are still believed to be missing.
An encounter broke out between security forces and Naxals along the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh on Saturday after a party of jawans was ambushed by Maoists near Jonnaguda village around noon. The forces were scattered and trapped along a two-km long stretch of forest area.
Officials confirmed that the encounter spot was barely 15 km from the Tarrem base camp of security forces. Sources said Naxals used light-weight machine guns (LMGs) and even rocket launchers during the encounter.
The ambush was similar to the one carried out by Naxals in Tadmetla in 2010 and Minapa in 2020. Naxals seem to have decamped with the weapons, bullet-proof jackets, and even the shoes of dead soldiers, officials said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the deaths of security personnel in Chhattisgarh. “We will continue our fight against these enemies of peace & progress,” Shah said referring to the Maoists who ambushed jawans in Tarrem. He also spoke to Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in this regard.
“I bow to the sacrifices of our brave security personnel martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Nation will never forget their valour. My condolences are with their families. We will continue our fight against these enemies of peace & progress. May injured recover soon”, he stated.