Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], May 24 (ANI): In a major blow to Naxal insurgency in Jharkhand, security forces neutralized two high-ranking leaders of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) — including its supremo, Pappu Lohra, and zonal commander, Prabhat Ganjhu — during an intense encounter in Latehar district on Saturday. The two were carrying cash bounties of ₹10 lakh and ₹5 lakh, respectively.
The encounter took place during a routine search operation in the forested areas under the Latehar police station jurisdiction. According to police officials, the operation escalated when Naxal operatives opened fire on the search team, prompting a prolonged gunfight. After the firing ceased, police recovered the bodies of Lohra and Ganjhu, along with a cache of arms and ammunition. One additional Naxal was injured in the exchange.
Confirming the successful operation, IG Operations of Jharkhand Police, Amol Vinukant Homkar, told ANI, “It’s a big day for all the security forces working in Jharkhand to eliminate Naxalism. JJMP Naxal group — along with its supremo Pappu Lohra — had assembled in Latehar PS area with the intention of sparking violence. Our search operation team was fired upon, and the police responded effectively.”
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth also commented on the operation, stating, “The encounter began at 6 a.m. in the rural areas of Latehar. Pappu Lohra and another Naxalite were killed. One of our brave jawans, Awadh Singh, was injured but is now out of danger. Naxalism is breathing its last across the nation, and under Home Minister Amit Shah’s resolution, we will soon eliminate it entirely.”
This encounter follows another high-profile anti-Naxal operation earlier in the week in neighboring Chhattisgarh. On May 21, security forces eliminated 27 Naxals, including top Maoist leader Basavaraju, during a fierce gunbattle in the dense Abujhmad forest of Narayanpur district.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the operation and hailed it as the state’s most significant success in combating Naxalism. Speaking to ANI, Sai said, “Our jawans have been continuously battling Naxalism and achieving success. The killing of Basavaraju is a major blow to the Maoists.”
He also highlighted the central government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism, adding, “Naxalism has been crippled. The mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026, is fast approaching realization.”
Security forces across Naxal-affected states are continuing targeted campaigns using modern surveillance tools, intelligence networks, and ground-level coordination to eliminate remaining insurgent elements. (ANI)
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