10 Maoists killed in Sukma encounter, taking number of Naxals killed in Chhattisgarh this year to 210

Earlier this week, security forces had received information about the presence of Maoists from the Konta and Kistaram area committees, following which a joint team of District Reserve Guard and CRPF set out on an operation to find them, officials said.

The encounter began at around 9 am on Friday in the forest area of village Bhandarpadar, approximately 60 km from Sukma district headquarters and 15-20 km from the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.

According to officials, at around 11 am, after the firing ended, the forces found bodies of 10 Maoists, including three women, who were dressed in uniform of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) – an armed wing of the banned CPI(Maoist).

The Maoists were armed with automatic weapons like INSAS, AK-47, SLR, officials said. The weapons were seized by security forces during search operations after the firing.

Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, Sundarraj P said, “Among the 10 Naxals killed is Madkam Masa (42), who was in charge of the military in South Bastar division and also in charge of platoon number 4 as well as 8. He is involved in encounters where at least 60-80 jawans were martyred. He had a reward of Rs 8 lakh on him.”

On the challenges faced by forces during the encounter, a senior official said, “For three nights, our forces camped in the jungle without proper supply of food. The chilly nights added to the struggle.”

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chawan said, “These Naxals would often cross into neighbouring states and had a strong inter-state network, which has suffered a huge setback now.”

Of the 10 Maoists killed, those identified were Madkam Masa, his wife Dudhi Hungi (35), Lakhma Madvi (25), Madkam Jeetu, Madkam Kosi and Kovasi Kaisa. The four others have not yet been identified.

Lauding the efforts of the security forces, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said his government’s policy is one of zero tolerance towards Naxalism. He said that ensuring development, peace and security of citizens in the Maoist-affected Bastar region is the top priority of his government.

This year, apart from 210 deaths of Maoists – the highest number since the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000 – as many as 60 civilians and 17 security personnel have been killed in Maoist violence.