Raipur: In a tragic incident in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, two security personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were martyred, and two others injured, following a Naxalite ambush on Saturday. The incident unfolded when the security forces were returning from an anti-Naxal operation, and were targeted by Naxals through a deadly IED blast in the dense forests of the region.
The martyrs, identified as Amar Panwar and K. Rajesh, belonged to the 53rd Battalion of ITBP. The other two injured personnel were quickly evacuated and admitted to the district hospital, with their condition now reported as out of danger. This attack highlights the ongoing tensions between security forces and Naxalites in the area, despite sustained anti-Naxal operations.
Ambushed on Return: The Fatal Attack
The attack occurred as security personnel were wrapping up a patrol mission in Orchha, Mohndi, and Irkbhatti—a known Naxal hotspot. According to officials, a joint team of ITBP and BSF personnel had been conducting a routine search operation in the area following an earlier encounter with Naxalites just days ago.
On Saturday, while the forces were en route back to their camp, an IED planted by Naxalites was triggered when one of the soldiers inadvertently stepped on the device. The resulting blast left four soldiers gravely injured, two of whom—Panwar and Rajesh—succumbed to their injuries during evacuation to Raipur.
Chaos in the Forests: Search Mission Turns Deadly
The sound of the blast reportedly caused panic in the surrounding area, with locals and authorities alike fearing further escalations. SP Prabhat Kumar, speaking about the incident, confirmed that the injured soldiers were immediately transported to the district hospital, while the more critically wounded were airlifted to Raipur. Unfortunately, despite urgent medical efforts, the two soldiers could not be saved.
Kumar also revealed that the Naxals had been lying in ambush, waiting for the soldiers to return through the forest trails. The blast was a calculated strike aimed at demoralizing the security forces as they continue their crackdown on Naxal strongholds.
Anti-Naxal Operations to Intensify
In recent months, security forces have been ramping up anti-Naxal operations across Chhattisgarh, particularly in Narayanpur and its surrounding areas. This sustained pressure has pushed the Naxalites onto the back foot, according to the SP, who pointed out that Naxals are now resorting to IEDs and guerrilla tactics to avoid direct confrontations with the forces.
Despite this, the security apparatus in Chhattisgarh remains resolute. “The success we have seen from these operations is forcing the Naxals to resort to such cowardly tactics,” said SP Kumar. He assured that anti-Naxal operations will continue unabated and that the forces will adapt their strategies to neutralize the threat posed by hidden IEDs and ambushes in the region.
Ongoing Conflict and the Path Forward
This latest attack underscores the volatile situation in Chhattisgarh, where security forces are locked in an ongoing battle to reclaim control over Naxal-dominated territories. While efforts to bring stability to the region have borne fruit in the form of multiple successful operations, incidents like this serve as a grim reminder of the danger faced by those on the frontline.
As the nation mourns the loss of brave soldiers, calls for more robust counter-insurgency measures and advanced technology to detect and neutralize IED threats are growing. Meanwhile, the families of the martyred soldiers will be honored for their sacrifice, as the nation remains united in its resolve to combat the Naxalite insurgency.
