**Malkangiri:** Two jawans were killed and five injured in two separate Naxal attacks in Bijapur district of Chattisgarh today morning. The incidents took place in between Kutaru and Naimed when the local police was returning after a routine patrol. The police van was blown off after it ran over a landmine killing two jawans and injuring five.
The injured policemen were air-lifted to Raipur and admitted to a hospital in the State Capital. There condition is stated to be critical. Confirming the casualties, Bastar IG Police Vivekanand Sinha said that police patrolling has been intensified in the area.
The second incident took place in Chinnakodepal on Bijapur – Bhopalpattnam road where two landmines were exploded in succession targeting the security forces. The police team started firing which continued for one hour after which the Naxal retreated into the woods.
No casualties or injuries have been reported in the second incident. A 10-feet deep crater was formed on the spot because of the impact of the explosions. Few days back the Naxals targeted the Bijapur – Bhopalpattnam road and executed explosions near Mahadev Ghat area.
The Naxals have been terrorizing the people of the area protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the State on April 14. The Prime Minister is scheduled to launch ‘Ayushman Bharat’ prorgramme from Chattisgarh next week. The Naxal outfits have been protesting Modi’s visit with posters and banners from the past one month.
