New Delhi:
In a major setback to the Naxal movement, a joint anti-Naxal operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border has resulted in the killing of 14 Maoists, including a high-ranking cadre with a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hailed this operation as a “mighty blow to Naxalism,” underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace by March 31, 2026.
The operation, conducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police, is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat Naxalism. This joint endeavor is part of the central government’s broader strategy to ensure a Naxal-free India.
The operation began on January 19 in the Kularighat reserve forest of Chhattisgarh, just 5 km from the Odisha border. The security forces, comprising around 700 personnel from various units of Chhattisgarh and Odisha police, and the CRPF, targeted a large gathering of Maoist cadres in the area. The key target was Jairam alias Chalpati, a member of the Naxalite Central Committee, who had a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head. Chalpati’s elimination marks the first time a Central Committee member of the CPI (Maoist) has been killed in such an operation, highlighting the operation’s strategic importance.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of 14 Maoists, including two women cadres who were killed on January 20. The remaining 12 Maoists were killed in the early hours of January 21. Besides the human casualties, the security forces recovered a substantial quantity of firearms, ammunition, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including SLR rifles. These recoveries indicate the scale of the Maoist arsenal and the effectiveness of the security forces’ operation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Deputy CMs Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao have reiterated the government’s resolve to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. This operation is a testament to the government’s commitment and the bravery of the security forces. The ongoing operation is expected to yield further results, with the possibility of additional Maoist casualties and recoveries.
This operation adds to the tally of over 40 Maoists killed in separate encounters across Chhattisgarh in January 2025 alone. The cumulative success of these operations underscores the increasing pressure on Naxal forces and the effectiveness of the joint efforts by the security agencies. As the government continues its relentless pursuit to eradicate Naxalism, such operations serve as crucial milestones in the journey towards a Naxal-free India.
