Security forces hunt down eight Maoists in Chhattisgarh; one jawan martyred

RAIPUR: Eight Maoists were killed by security forces in a fierce encounter on Friday in Chhattisgarh. One jawan from the force was martyred in the fight while two other officials suffered injuries. The incident took place this morning in Abujmarh.

Clashes between Maoists and security forces have been ongoing for the last two days in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Abujmarh is a hilly region comprising Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada districts. Geographically isolated and inaccessible to many people, this area is a major hub for Maoists.

A joint team of security personnel from Narayanpur, Kankar, Dantewada and Kondagaon districts reached the Abujmarh forest after getting a tip-off about Maoists' presence. The contingent of security personnel includes the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 53rd Battalion from four districts. The officials started the operation in Abujmarh forest on the 12th of this month.

Recently, security forces have killed many Maoists in areas including Narayanpur. On the 10th of last month, more than 10 Maoists were killed in an encounter near Pidiya village.