10 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma District in Major Security Forces Operation

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 22, 2024, Sukma, Chhattisgarh : In a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against Maoist insurgents, at least 10 Maoists were killed in a well-coordinated operation by security forces in the Bandarpadar forest area of Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. A significant haul of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, and other weapons, was recovered from the site.

The operation, which took place on Friday morning, was based on intelligence gathered from secret sources. Upon receiving the tip-off, the security forces swiftly launched an offensive in the dense Bandarpadar forest, a known Maoist stronghold. As the security personnel surrounded the area, they were met with heavy gunfire from the Maoists, prompting an intense firefight.

Bastar Inspector General (IG) P. Sundarraj confirmed that 10 Maoist bodies had been recovered so far, and search operations are still underway in the region. "A large number of firearms, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, have been recovered from the Maoists," Sundarraj said, emphasizing the success of the operation. He also stated that the security forces were continuing to comb the area to ensure no further Maoists were present and to recover any additional weapons or explosives.

This successful operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts of the Indian government to dismantle the Maoist insurgency, particularly in the conflict-ridden Bastar region. The district of Sukma, which has long been a hotbed of Maoist activity, has seen numerous clashes between security forces and insurgents in the past. The recent operation is seen as a major blow to the Maoist network operating in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has set a target of eradicating Maoism from India by 2026, hailed the operation as a step towards fulfilling this goal. In a recent statement, Shah declared, "I believe the fight against Maoism is in its final stages. The time for the final attack has come, and we will eliminate Maoism from the country by March 2026."

Recent statistics reflect the intensity of the ongoing campaign against the Maoists. According to the latest figures, 257 Maoists have been killed since January of this year alone. Additionally, 861 Maoists have been arrested, while 789 have surrendered to the authorities. These numbers highlight the continued pressure on the insurgents, who have been gradually losing ground in their strongholds.

The security forces, including the CRPF, local police, and paramilitary forces, have been making steady progress in their counter-insurgency operations, often facing violent resistance from Maoist groups. The central government has ramped up its efforts in recent years, with increased deployment of forces and better coordination between state and central agencies.

While the operation in Sukma marks a significant victory, authorities remain vigilant, as Maoist groups continue to operate in the dense forests of central India. Despite the setbacks, the insurgents are believed to have a deep-rooted presence in several tribal areas, where they often exploit local grievances to gain support.

As the security forces continue their operations, the government remains determined to bring an end to Maoist insurgency in the country, with Amit Shah reiterating his commitment to achieving a Maoist-free India by 2026. However, experts suggest that while progress has been made, it will require sustained efforts and cooperation from local communities to fully eradicate the threat posed by these extremist groups.