At least 29 Naxalites were killed in a confrontation with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on April 16. The encounter resulted in casualties on both sides, with three security personnel sustaining injuries. The operation was carried out jointly by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG).
Location and Timing
The gunfight occurred at around 2 p.m. in the Hapatola forest, situated between Binagunda and Koronar villages under the jurisdiction of Chhotebethiya police station.
Purpose of the Operation
The operation was launched based on intelligence regarding the presence of senior cadres of the north Bastar division of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), including individuals such as Shankar, Lalita, and Raju.
Outcome
During the confrontation, a significant number of Naxalites were neutralized, and a considerable cache of weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, Insas rifles, and .303 rifles, was recovered from the scene.
Ongoing Situation
The search operation is still ongoing in the area, with intermittent firing reported between security personnel and Naxalites. Despite the confrontations, the injured security personnel are reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
Electoral Context
The encounter holds significance as it precedes the Lok Sabha elections in the region. Polling in the Naxalite-affected Bastar Lok Sabha seat is scheduled for April 19 in the first phase, while the Kanker constituency, part of the Bastar region, will vote in the second round of general elections on April 26.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where did the encounter between security personnel and Naxalites occur on April 16?
- A) Bijapur district
- B) Kanker district
- C) Bastar Lok Sabha seat
- D) Hapatola village
- Answer: B) Kanker district
- Which security forces were involved in the operation against the Naxalites?
- A) Border Security Force (BSF)
- B) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- C) National Security Guard (NSG)
- D) Indian Army
- Answer: A) Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG)
- What prompted the launch of the operation by security forces?
- A) Recent unrest in the region
- B) Intelligence about the presence of senior Naxalite cadres
- C) Political tensions in Chhattisgarh
- D) Civilian protests against Naxalites
- Answer: B) Intelligence about the presence of senior Naxalite cadres
- How many Naxalites were reportedly killed in the encounter?
- A) 13
- B) 29
- C) 79
- D) 93
- Answer: B) 29
- Which of the following weapons was NOT recovered from the scene?
- A) AK-47
- B) SLR
- C) Insas
- D) M16
- Answer: D) M16