Sukma, May 23 (H.S.): The ongoing operation in the Tumblr forest region on the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh follows a security forces-Maoist encounter on Thursday morning. Despite heavy rains overnight, forces, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Cobra battalion, have been active for 48 hours based on intelligence about the presence of notorious Maoists, including Hidma.

In Thursday's clash, one Maoist was killed, and a Cobra battalion soldier lost his life. However, operations continue, as confirmed by Sukma's Additional Superintendent of Police Umesh Gupta. While security personnel search for Maoists in the jungle, the War Room at district headquarters is closely monitored by Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, ASP Umesh Gupta, and DSP Manish Ratre.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar