Chhattisgarh, Dec 03 : At least 14 Naxals were killed in separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts on Saturday, officials confirmed.
In Sukma, acting on intelligence regarding Naxal presence in Kistaram, a team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched an operation in the forest area. As the team approached, Naxals opened fire, prompting a strong response from the DRG. Twelve Naxals were killed, and automatic weapons were recovered, said Sukma SP Kiran Chavan.
Meanwhile, in southern Bijapur district, two Naxals were neutralised during a DRG-led search operation based on similar intelligence inputs. IG Bastar P. Sundarraj said contact was established around 5 am, and intermittent exchanges of fire continued throughout the operation.
The intensified operations come ahead of the March 31, 2026, deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate Naxalism from the country. Security forces have already neutralised 256 Naxals across various districts of the Bastar division from January 2025 to December 2025.
The operations underline the ongoing efforts of the DRG and other security agencies to curb left-wing extremism in the region.