CPI (Maoist) Squad Engages In Skirmish With Security Forces In Bijapur District

Bijapur District, June 7, 2023: An encounter between a squad of CPI (Maoist) cadres and security personnel took place in the jungle of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on June 7, police said. The joint operation against the Maoists was conducted by Central Reserve Police Force’s jungle warfare unit CoBRA and Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force.

“There was an exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces in the Basaguda-Pamed-Usor tri-junction area of Bijapur district. Security forces are fine; any damage inflicted to the Maoists would be clear only after the completion of search operations,” Inspector General Bastar P Sundarraj said.

The confrontation occurs amidst the Maoists’ observance of Janapituri Week, a significant event in their calendar. This week serves as a commemoration for fallen Maoist cadres, during which the security forces have initiated a major operation against the Maoists. The police had received intelligence regarding the presence of Maoist leader Hidma and his battalion on the Sukma-Bijapur district border, prompting them to mobilize for the operation on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday morning, the troops encountered the squadron of Maoists, provoking an exchange of fire between the two sides.

Hidma, a senior leader of the Maoist party, hails from Purti village in Bastar and attended the same primary school as CPI (Maoist) CC member Madvi. Recognizing Hidma’s potential, a Maoist operative recruited him into the Bal Sangham of the Maoist party. Hidma continued his education in a Maoist school and impressed the group with his agility, leading to his inclusion in the LOS (Local Organization Squad). Under Hidma’s leadership, the Maoists achieved numerous successes, and he now commands the first battalion.

Janapituri Week, observed annually in Bastar during June, is when the Maoists honor their fallen comrades. They conduct meetings in remote villages within Bastar to raise awareness about the Maoist organization and its ideology.

“Since the search operations are still on, for security reasons more details would be disclosed after the operation is completed,” said Mr. Sundarraj.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chhattisgarh-encounter-between-naxals-security-forces-in-bijapur-jungle/article66941309.ece

Source : https://en.lalluram.com/deadly-clash-in-chhattisgarh-as-police-battle-naxalite/