In Bijapur, a Naxal-affected district of Chhattisgarh, Naxalites have once again targeted security forces. On Tuesday evening, during a search operation between Murdanda and Timapur, two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured in an IED explosion and subsequent firing. Both injured soldiers were immediately taken to Raipur for treatment, where their condition is now reported to be stable.
The attack occurred while the 229th Battalion of the CRPF was on a Road Security Operation (RSO). Officials say this is a classic Naxal strategy, where they pre-plant IEDs in forests and on unpaved roads to target security forces. Such incidents are not only a threat to security forces but are also considered an attempt to spread instability throughout the region.
How the Attack Happened
The attack took place on Tuesday on the Timapur-Murdanda road in the Aavapalli police station area of Bijapur. CRPF personnel were deployed on road clearance duty when a powerful IED exploded. The explosion was caused by an IED pre-planted by Naxalites in the forest path. Firing also started in the area immediately after the blast.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the IED was hidden under soil and trees, which is part of the Naxalites' old and deadly strategy. The injured soldiers received first aid and were then shifted from the Bijapur hospital to a larger hospital in Raipur. Their condition is currently stable and they are under the observation of doctors.
Government and Administration's Response
Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Vijay Sharma, condemned the attack, saying that this action by the Naxalites reflects their desperation. He said that the government and security forces are continuously running operations against the Naxalites, and such attacks will not break their morale.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also previously stated that the government's goal is to make Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by 2026. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed his grief over the attack and said that the government is committed to rapidly providing facilities like roads, electricity, and water in Naxal-affected areas. He also reiterated that the rehabilitation policy for Naxalites who surrender is being implemented effectively so that they can return to the mainstream of society.
Search Operation Intensified
Immediately after the IED attack, the activity of security forces has been increased throughout the area. Additional forces have been deployed in Murdanda, Timapur, and the surrounding forests. Security agencies are searching the forests for potential Naxal hideouts.
According to police sources, the Naxalites are under pressure due to the continuous action of security forces, and they are now adopting a strategy of attacking from hiding. This is why they are resorting to methods like pre-planted explosives and sudden firing. High alert has been declared in the entire area, and every activity is being closely monitored.
Situation of Naxalites in the Bastar Region
The Bastar region—which includes districts like Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma—has long been a bhold of Naxal activities. However, the Naxal network has been weakened in the past few years due to the continuous action of security forces. Dozens of Naxalites have been killed this year, and a large number of weapons have also been recovered.
On July 6, a uniformed Naxalite was killed during a search operation in Bijapur. In January this year, another major IED attack killed eight soldiers and a driver, which was considered the deadliest attack in the last two years.
These incidents make it clear that even though the Naxalites' strength is diminishing, they still remain a threat. The government and security forces are constantly trying to completely eliminate Naxalism in these areas through development work and b security measures.
