Maoist Encounter In Kanha National Park: One Killed, Several Surrounded

Mandla: A fierce encounter between the police and Maoists is currently underway in the Kanha National Park, located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. According to SP Rajat Saklecha, the Mandla Hawkforce Police have successfully surrounded 15 to 16 Maoists and an intense gunfight is underway. The gunbattle has so far resulted in the death of one Maoist in the Chimta Camp of Kisli Zone.

The Kanha National Park, a renowned tiger reserve and popular tourist destination, has been witnessing a growing Maoist presence in recent years. The park's vast and dense forests provide an ideal hideout for the Maoists, making it challenging for the security forces to track them down. The current encounter is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the police to flush out the Maoists from the region.

The Kanha National Park is not only a vital habitat for the Bengal tiger but also home to several other endangered species, including the hard-ground Barasingha. However, the increasing Maoist activity in the region has raised concerns about the safety of the park's inhabitants, both human and animal. The park's conservation efforts are also being threatened by the Maoist presence, which could have long-term consequences for the ecosystem.

Also Read | Manipur On Edge: Kuki-Zo Groups Enforce Indefinite Shutdown In Manipur, Normal Life Disrupted

Security Forces on High Alert

The police and security forces are on high alert, and a massive operation is underway to neutralise the Maoist threat. The encounter is a major development in the region, and the authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the civilians and the park's inhabitants.

Anti-Maoist Operation In MP

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has initiated a campaign to eradicate Naxalism from the state. The central government has set a goal to eliminate Naxalism from all states by 2026. To achieve this objective, security forces and police are conducting operations in Maoist-affected areas.

Also Read | Secret Service Shootout: ‘Suicidal’ Man Drives From Indiana To Washington Before Getting Shot At Near White House

In a recent encounter in Balaghat, four Maoists, including a female leader named Asha, were killed. Asha, a resident of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, had a reward of Rs 14 lakh on her head. The encounter took place in the Ronda Forest Camp in Supkhar Forest Range under the Gadhi police station area.

Meanwhile, in the Maoist-affected Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, several Maoists have surrendered. On Saturday, two rewarded Maoists, Sukhram Farsik and Pandru Farsik, surrendered in Bijapur district. Both had a reward of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads.

The Madhya Pradesh government's anti-Maoist campaign is part of the central government's broader strategy to eliminate the movement. Security forces and police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend Maoists, and to persuade others to surrender.