Eight security personnel have been killed in the line of duty. 21 jawans are still missing after an encounter with Maoists along the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. It is about 400 km from state capital Raipur.
A total of 24 injured jawans were brought to the Bijapur hospital. At least seven were referred to a hospital in Raipur for treatment.
On Saturday, separate joint teams of security forces, with over 2,000 personnel, launched a major operation from Bijapur and Sukma districts. This is in the South Bastar forests, which is considered a Maoist stronghold. At around 12 noon, the Maoists laid an ambush, leading to an encounter that lasted for hours.
CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh reached Chhattisgarh today morning to look after operational work and take stock of the situation.
Home Minister Amit Shah consoled the demise of the soldiers in line of duty.
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said, The martyrdom of our security personnel will not go in vain.
Saturday’s encounter comes days after five police personnel were killed and 14 injured after Maoists targeted a bus carrying 27 DRG (District Reserve Guard) troops in Chhattisgarh’s Naryanpur district.
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