KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant operation against Maoist insurgency, security forces in Chhattisgarh neutralized 14 Maoists in the Gariaband district near the Odisha border. Among the deceased are two women Maoists and a high-ranking Maoist leader carrying a ₹1 crore bounty. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, calling it a “mighty blow” to Naxalism and reaffirming the government’s commitment to a Naxal-free India.

The Encounter: A Coordinated Operation

Timeline of Events

The encounter, which spanned multiple days, began on the night of January 19, 2025. Based on intelligence reports about the presence of Maoists in the Kularighat reserve forest, a joint task force launched the operation. The area, located just 5 km from Odisha’s Nuapada district, served as a hideout for the Maoist insurgents.

On Monday, January 20, two women Maoists were killed in the initial exchange of fire. The next phase of the operation intensified late Monday night and continued into early Tuesday morning, resulting in the elimination of 12 additional Maoists.

Security Forces Involved

The joint operation brought together personnel from:

1. District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Chhattisgarh
2. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
3. Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA)
4. Special Operation Group (SOG) of Odisha

This collaborative effort showcased the synergy between state and central forces in tackling the Maoist insurgency.

Key Highlights

• Weapons Cache Recovered: Security personnel seized a significant cache of firearms, ammunition, and IEDs, including a self-loading rifle, from the encounter site.
• Maoist Leader Neutralized: Among those killed was a high-profile Maoist carrying a ₹1 crore bounty, indicating the operation’s success in targeting top leadership.

Amit Shah’s Statement: A Step Toward Ending Naxalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the forces on social media, saying:
“Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralized 14 Naxalites in a joint operation. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India, Naxalism is breathing its last today.”

This operation aligns with the central government’s pledge to eradicate Naxalism by 2026, a goal reiterated by Shah following recent Maoist attacks.

Context: Recent Maoist Attacks and Crackdown Efforts

January 6, 2025: Bijapur Attack

Earlier this month, Naxalites ambushed a District Reserve Guard (DRG) team in Bijapur, killing eight jawans and one driver. The attack, which involved an IED explosion on the Bedre-Kutru Road, marked one of the most devastating Maoist strikes in the last two years.

April 2023: Dantewada Attack

In April 2023, Naxalites killed ten police personnel and a civilian driver by blowing up a convoy vehicle in Dantewada district. These incidents highlight the ongoing threat posed by Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and neighboring states.

Crackdown on Naxalism: Government’s Strategic Push

The Chhattisgarh encounter is part of a larger strategy by the Indian government to dismantle Naxalite networks. Key components of this strategy include:

1. Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Coordinating information across state and central agencies to pinpoint Maoist hideouts.
2. Modernized Equipment for Security Forces: Providing advanced weaponry, drones, and surveillance tools to frontline units.
3. Development Initiatives in Maoist-Affected Areas: Implementing infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare to address the root causes of insurgency.

The Kularighat Operation: Detailed Analysis

Operational Challenges

The dense forests of Kularighat, coupled with the proximity to the Odisha border, presented logistical challenges for security forces. Maoists often use such terrains to evade detection, making intelligence accuracy critical.

Key Achievements

• Neutralizing 14 Maoists in a single operation demonstrates the efficiency of joint task forces.
• The recovery of advanced weapons and IEDs indicates a significant disruption to Maoist operations in the region.

Public and Expert Reactions

Political Responses

Union and state leaders praised the security forces for their bravery and effectiveness. Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks underscore the central government’s focus on eliminating Naxalism.

Expert Analysis

Counter-insurgency experts view this operation as a turning point in the fight against Naxalism. They note that targeting high-ranking Maoists weakens the organizational structure, reducing the likelihood of future attacks.

The Human Cost of Naxalism

The prolonged insurgency in central India has claimed thousands of lives, including security personnel, civilians, and Maoists. Incidents like the Bijapur and Dantewada attacks underscore the importance of sustained counter-insurgency efforts.

However, experts stress the need for a balanced approach that combines military action with socio-economic development in affected regions.

The elimination of 14 Maoists in Chhattisgarh is a significant milestone in India’s counter-insurgency efforts. While challenges remain, the operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated action between state and central forces.

As the government intensifies its crackdown on Maoist networks, operations like this send a clear message: India is resolute in its mission to achieve a Naxal-free nation by 2026.