Chhattisgarh: 14 Maoists eliminated, Amit Shah hails ‘Mighty blow’

Security forces in Chhattisgarh killed 14 Maoists in a series of encounters near the Odisha border. The operations, conducted in Gariaband district, targeted Maoist hideouts in dense forests. Officials confirmed the casualties included two women Maoists killed on Monday. Additional clashes on Monday night and early Tuesday resulted in 12 more Maoist deaths.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the forces for delivering a “mighty blow” to Naxalism. Shah highlighted the joint efforts of Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, CoBRA, and Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG) in achieving this significant success. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a Naxal-free India, stating that Naxalism is now “breathing its last.”

The operation began on January 19, following intelligence about Maoist presence in the Kularighat reserve forest, located just five kilometers from Odisha’s Nuapada district. Security forces launched a coordinated offensive involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG), CRPF, CoBRA, and Odisha’s SOG. During Monday’s encounter, forces recovered firearms, ammunition, IEDs, and a self-loading rifle.

These encounters mark a turning point in the central government’s crackdown on Maoist insurgency. The government aims to eliminate Naxalism by 2026. Shah reiterated this resolve following a deadly Maoist attack earlier this month. On January 6, an IED blast in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur killed eight DRG personnel and a driver. The attack occurred on the Bedre-Kutru road as the forces were returning from a joint operation.

The January 6 incident was the deadliest Maoist strike in two years. In a similar attack on April 26, 2023, ten police personnel and a civilian driver died in Dantewada when Naxals targeted their convoy with an IED. These attacks underscore the challenges security forces face in combating the Maoist insurgency.

The latest operation demonstrates improved coordination between central and state forces. Intelligence inputs and swift action enabled security personnel to neutralize Maoist leaders and operatives. Authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons, further weakening Maoist capabilities.

The crackdown reflects a larger strategy to dismantle Naxal networks. Enhanced operations, better intelligence-sharing, and increased resources have contributed to recent successes. Officials remain cautious, anticipating potential retaliatory strikes from Maoists.

As security forces intensify efforts, local communities are expected to benefit from improved safety and development initiatives. The government’s focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare in affected areas aims to address the root causes of Maoist influence. However, sustained vigilance and coordinated action remain critical to achieving lasting peace.

The Chhattisgarh encounters underscore the shifting dynamics of the Maoist conflict. Security forces, backed by robust intelligence and operational synergy, are gaining the upper hand. The government’s resolve, combined with strategic interventions, signals a decisive phase in India’s fight against Naxalism.