Tuesday’s operation was put together after Chhattisgarh police learnt that a large group of Maoists from ‘North Bastar’ and ‘Marhv’ divisions were camping in Kanker, Bastar Range IG P Sundarraj said, reports Rashmi Drolia.
MHA also chipped in, sharing five key intel inputs, including one that specified the exact grid location of where the ‘North Bastar’ division was camping.
Three jawans suffered gunshot injuries in the fierce encounter and choppers were called in to evacuate them. However, they couldn’t initially land at the battlezone. The three were administered first aid before they were flown out in another chopper that had night-landing capability.
Chhattisgarh deputy CM Vijay Sharma, who is also the home minister, said: “It’s because of the guiding force of Amit Shah that Maoists have suffered such heavy casualties. Police officers and security forces are highly motivated and have been striking hard.”
While claiming that Maoists will be eliminated from Bastar, Sharma iterated his offer of dialogue with them , saying: “Be it one person, a small group or a large group of cadres, our govt is ready to speak with them. By holding talks, we can find solutions to the problem and every village will get to see development. So many villages have no water and basic facilities. This must be addressed.”