News Brief
Security forces personnel in J&K (Representative Image) Photo by Waseem Andrabi/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
At the Bijapur-Sukma border in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (30 January), a Naxal attack resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least three security personnel, with 14 others sustaining injuries as reported by The Indian Express.
Officials reported that the personnel, who were patrolling in Sukma district, were ambushed by Naxals.
In response to Naxal activity, a new security camp was established in Tekalgudem, a village on the Bijapur-Sukma border, to provide essential facilities to the local population.
However, Maoists engaged the CoBRA/STF/DRG force in gunfire during anti-Naxal operations in the Jonaguda-Aliguda area following the camp's establishment.
After the encounter, the Maoists retreated, seeking refuge in the forest.
Earlier in the month, security forces had set up two police camps deep within the forest in the district, a known Naxal stronghold.
On Republic Day, the Indian Tricolor was hoisted for the first time in the Sukma-Bijapur area.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent review meeting in Raipur on Left Wing Extremism (LWE), expressed the goal of eradicating the Maoist menace within the next three years.
Security forces have faced numerous attacks in recent months, including during the state's December polls, where members of the banned CPI (Maoist) targeted security personnel, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The Bastar region experienced multiple exchanges of gunfire and IED blasts during this period, leading to civilian casualties and the recovery of numerous explosive devices.