5 STF troopers injured in gunfight with Maoists in Sukma

Raipur June 24 (IANS) At least five Special Task Force (STF) troopers were injured in a gunfight with Maoists in Chhattisgarh s Sukma district on Saturday police said.

The STF troopers were patrolling an area of the Tundamarka forests in Chintagufa area when they came under fire from a group of Maoists. In the ensuing exchange of fire five troopers were injured. Three of them are said to be in a serious condition.

Inspector General (Naxal Operations) D.M. Avasthi said: The helicopter sent for rescue operation had to return due to bad weather. The lives of injured soldiers are thus in grave danger.

According to sources the exchange of fire is still underway. Police officials estimate that the number of injured will increase.

On April 24 25 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed in an ambush in Sukma s Burkapal area while 12 CRPF troopers were killed in a Maoist attack in Sukma on March 11.

--IANS
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