Bastar (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 28 (ANI): The ongoing anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh has entered its eighth day, with more than 24,000 personnel from both Chhattisgarh and central forces participating in the mission. The operation covers a vast 800-square-kilometer area along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, including the Karegutta hills, as confirmed by senior police officials.
The primary objective of this operation is to eradicate the presence of several Naxal groups in the region, including the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee (TSC), People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, CRC Company, and other Maoist factions. These groups have been using the area as a safe haven for violent activities, endangering the lives of local residents.
A few weeks ago, Naxals issued a statement claiming responsibility for planting numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the region. This resulted in several civilian injuries, including the death of an innocent woman near Usur. In response, security forces have been tasked with clearing the area to ensure the safety of the local population.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continue the operation until all illegal Maoist groups are eliminated from the region. Security forces have urged Naxal members to abandon violence and surrender, offering them a chance to reintegrate into society.
As of now, three Naxals have been killed, and their bodies have been recovered. Two security personnel sustained minor injuries during the operation. The first incident occurred on April 24, when an STF (Special Task Force) jawan suffered an ankle sprain due to an IED explosion. A second blast on April 26 resulted in minor injuries to a DRG (District Reserve Guard) jawan. Both personnel are in stable condition and are receiving medical treatment.
Based on intelligence reports about the presence of top Naxal leaders, including most-wanted commanders such as Hidma, Damodar, and Deva, security forces from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana have cordoned off the forests and Karegutta hill in Bijapur, close to the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
This operation, considered one of the largest anti-Naxal operations in India’s history, involves forces from Chhattisgarh’s DRG, Bastar Fighter, STF, Cobra, and the CRPF.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have reiterated their commitment to eliminating armed Naxalism from Chhattisgarh by March 26, 2026, stating that the government will respond to violence with force if necessary. However, they have also emphasized their preference for peaceful resolution, urging Naxal cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream of society.
Since the formation of the BJP government in Chhattisgarh on December 3, 2023, security forces have neutralized 365 Naxal cadres in separate encounters and arrested 1,382 individuals. Additionally, 2,306 Naxal cadres have abandoned the movement and joined the mainstream, thanks to the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
So far in 2025, 144 Naxals have been neutralized, 367 arrested, and 476 have surrendered.
(ANI)
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