Raipur:
Three Maoists were killed on Thursday in an intense encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced.
Addressing the media in Raipur, Sharma lauded the efforts of the security forces involved in the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in Sukma. “The bodies of three Maoists have been recovered, and the operation is still active,” he said. “This achievement demonstrates the relentless efforts of our forces in combating Maoist insurgency.”
The encounter occurred in the dense forests along the Sukma-Bijapur border during a joint operation involving personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), an elite unit of the CRPF. Officials revealed that the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about Maoist movements in the area.
Rising Tensions Amid Recent Attacks
The operation comes days after an IED blast in Bijapur district on January 6 that claimed the lives of eight security personnel and a civilian driver. The Deputy CM condemned the attack, stating, “The cowardly actions of Maoists have left our forces enraged and resolute. With the bravery and dedication of our jawans, we will uproot the Maoist menace within the targeted timeframe.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit earlier this week, reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating the Maoist insurgency by March 2026. “The sacrifices of our security personnel will not go in vain,” Shah asserted, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach toward extremist activities.
Intensified Anti-Maoist Efforts
This latest encounter brings the total number of Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh this year to nine. Security forces have ramped up operations in Maoist strongholds, resulting in significant breakthroughs.
Earlier this month, a three-day anti-Maoist operation in the Abujhmad area, located at the confluence of Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Bijapur districts, led to the elimination of five Maoists, including two women cadres. On January 3, a Maoist was killed in a separate encounter in Gariaband district, underscoring the state’s proactive counterinsurgency measures.
Broader Implications and Challenges
The ongoing operations highlight the state’s commitment to dismantling Maoist networks, which have long posed challenges to development in tribal regions. Experts note that while the security forces’ efforts are commendable, addressing underlying socio-economic issues in Maoist-affected areas is equally critical for long-term peace and stability.
Chhattisgarh witnessed a significant crackdown on Maoists in 2023, with 219 insurgents neutralized in separate encounters. However, experts caution that the insurgency has deep roots in poverty, lack of infrastructure, and tribal discontent, which require sustained developmental initiatives alongside security operations.
A Testament to Resilience
As security forces continue their pursuit of Maoist elements, the government remains determined to ensure peace and safety in the region. This operation, coupled with previous successes, serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of the personnel fighting against extremism.
The state is now focused on enhancing coordination among security agencies, improving local intelligence networks, and intensifying developmental efforts in vulnerable regions to prevent the resurgence of Maoist activities.
