16 Naxalites killed, 2 jawans injured in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

Chhattisgarh:  As a minimum of 16 Naxalites and two security officials were injured slightly in a fire exchange between the security forces and Naxalites in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday. It occurred in Upampalli Kerlapal forest, on the border of the Sukma and Dantewada districts. 

Operation details

The confrontation was a result of combined anti-Maoist action undertaken by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG). The action was launched on the basis of particular intelligence on Naxal presence in Kerlapal region under Sukma police station administration.

Continued search operation

The joint security force carried out a search operation on March 28, and sporadic firing has been taking place since the early morning of March 29. Security forces are now conducting an intensive search of the site of the encounter and the surrounding forest area.

Sukma district's history with Naxalites

Sukma, which is among the worst-hit districts in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, has seen several Maoist attacks in the recent past. The district continues to be a hotbed of Naxal activity, with security personnel actively engaged in dealing with the threat.

Independent incident in Narayanpur district

In an independent incident on Friday, a jawan was wounded and admitted to hospital when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Narayanpur district