New Delhi: A tunnel has been uncovered in Dantewada, a known Naxalite hotbed, which may have been used by Naxals to lay a trap for security forces.
The security forces were notified of the presence of the tunnel while conducting a search operation following the latest ambush attack by the Naxalites on Tuesday in Sukma. The tunnel was uncovered in a strongly forested area, and officials believe it was meant to trap or ambush the forces during an exchange of fire.
The discovery of the tunnel is a significant development in the fight against the Naxalites, as it provides evidence that they are using new tactics to evade detection and capture. The tunnel also highlights the need for increased military vigilance in the region to address the threat posed by the terrorist group.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Tekalgudem village, which is located along the border of Bijapur and Sukma districts. A joint team of security personnel was conducting a search operation in the area when the exchange of fire occurred. The team consisted of 201 battalions of the CoBRA and 150 battalions of the CRPF.
Three security personnel were killed and 14 others were injured in the gunfight. The injured were rushed to Balaji Hospital in Raipur for treatment. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the injured in the hospital to express his support.
Sai assured the security personnel that the “double-engine” BJP government will remain committed to eradicating the Naxal threat from the state. He said that the incident occurred near the Tekalgudem village in Sukma district, and the jawans of the security forces responded appropriately. He added that the Naxals are trying to avoid the establishment of a security camp in the area. The chief minister directed the security forces to continue their vigilant operations in the area and ensure the safety of the civilian population.
The discovery of the tunnel underscores the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to deal with the threat posed by the Naxalites in the region.