Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections: Naxal encounters, IED blast reported amid voting

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• Nov 7, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Chhattisgarh's Kanker, which went to the polls in the first phase of the state assembly elections on November 7, 2023, witnessed three separate incidents of Naxal violence...

Digital Desk: Chhattisgarh's Kanker, which went to the polls in the first phase of the state assembly elections on November 7, 2023, witnessed three separate incidents of Naxal violence and improvised explosive device (IED) blasts. These unsettling occurrences serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Naxal insurgents in the region.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Sukma district when a commando of CoBRA, an elite unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was injured in an IED blast triggered by Naxalites. The blast took place during a routine security operation aimed at maintaining order during the polling process. The injured commando was immediately evacuated for medical treatment, underscoring the inherent dangers faced by security personnel in their relentless battle against Naxal militants.

In another disturbing incident, four security personnel were injured during an exchange of fire with Naxals near Minpa and Duled villages in Sukma district. The violence erupted in the midst of the ongoing election process, further highlighting the volatile environment in certain areas of Chhattisgarh.

An encounter between Naxalites and security personnel in Kanker district revealed the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. While the exact details remain under investigation, officials have suggested that some Naxalites may have been killed or injured during the confrontation. This incident occurred near Panavar village, part of the Antagarh assembly segment, one of the 20 constituencies participating in the first phase of the state elections.

Additional confrontations between Naxalites and security forces took place near the Banda polling station in Sukma district and Orchha police station area of Narayanpur district. Fortunately, these encounters did not result in any harm to the security personnel.

These incidents follow an incident on the preceding day when two polling personnel and a BSF jawan were injured in an IED explosion in the Chhotebethiya police station area in Antagarh constituency. The IED, planted by Naxalites, exploded as polling parties, escorted by security personnel, were en route to their designated polling booths.

As Chhattisgarh exercises its democratic rights in the ongoing assembly elections, these incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the enduring Naxal threat in the region. The safety of both security personnel and civilians remains a paramount concern as the state grapples with the challenges posed by insurgency and violence.