Ranchi, January 23: Security forces in Jharkhand have recovered yet another Naxal body as an ongoing encounter in the Saranda Forests area of Chaibasa entered its second day on Friday. According to police sources, intermittent firing continues as the search operation proceeds.
"One more body of a Naxal has been recovered, and the search operation is still underway," stated Jharkhand police officials. This development follows Thursday’s encounter, and the area remains on high alert.
Earlier in January, an encounter in Bijapur district, located under Bastar range, resulted in the death of six Naxals, authorities confirmed. On January 17-18, security forces recovered the bodies of the slain militants. Among the seized weapons were two AK-47 rifles, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles, and a BGL launcher. These individuals had a combined reward amounting to Rs 27 lakh.
In a statement, P Sundarraj, IG Bastar Range, said, “Following the encounter in the Bastar range, we recovered six Naxal bodies. Two AK-47s, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles, and a BGL launcher were among the recovered weapons. The total reward for the arrest of these Naxals was Rs 27 lakh. Search and cordon operations are ongoing.”
The issue of Naxalism and its impact on urban areas has been a topic of national concern. On January 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP party workers at the national headquarters and raised alarms about the rising influence of urban Naxalism.
He emphasized, "Another major challenge we face is urban Naxals. Their influence is no longer confined to India but is becoming international." Prime Minister Modi further remarked, "If someone in the media or on social platforms expresses even a hint of positivity towards me, they are vilified and hounded. This is the tactic used to silence them."
Highlighting the risks posed by infiltrators, the Prime Minister concluded, “Infiltrators present a grave threat to national security, and it is crucial to identify them and expel them from the country.”
The ongoing security operations and these recent developments underline the escalating efforts to combat Naxal insurgency and the threats posed by extremist activities within India.
