Raipur, March 29 -- Security forces in Chhattisgarh neutralized 16 Naxalites and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in a major encounter in the Kerlapal area of Sukma district on Saturday.

Following the encounter, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating armed Naxalism.

He said, "The resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to eliminate armed Naxalism from the country by March 2026, and our security forces are working in the same direction. The bravery and courage with which our security forces are working, we will eliminate Naxalism in the given time."

Earlier, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan confirm...