A recent operation in central India has led to the deaths of dozens of Maoist guerrillas, marking one of the most intense confrontations in years against the long-standing insurgency, officials announced. The operation took place in the Bijapur region of Chhattisgarh, where government forces engaged the Naxalites, resulting in 31 insurgents and two police officers confirmed dead, according to the local police chief, Jitendra Kumar Yadav.
Deadly Government Operation Targets Maoist Rebels in Chhattisgarh
Deadly Government Operation Targets Maoist Rebels in Chhattisgarh
Indian officials report significant casualties among Naxalite guerrillas during a recent anti-insurgency operation in central India.
Authorities also seized multiple assault weapons, including AK-47s, underscoring the intensity of the violence during the operation. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism, stating, "We will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country, so that no citizen of the country has to lose his life because of it." The Naxalite movement, which took root in eastern India during the 1960s, has seen fluctuating levels of violence over the decades.
Government data shows that the violence peaked in 2010, leading to the deaths of over 850 people, including security forces and civilians. However, recent years have seen a stark decline in casualties as government efforts have consistently undermined the insurgency's capabilities. The Home Ministry reported that deaths related to the conflict dropped by an impressive 86% from 2010 levels, with the geographic reach of the violence decreasing dramatically—from 126 affected districts to only 38.
Niranjan Sahoo, an expert in left-wing extremism, noted that the Maoists are currently facing significant challenges in recruitment and operational capability, primarily due to reduced territorial control following sustained military pressure. According to him, the group remains concentrated in certain forested districts, particularly around Abujhmad, indicating their vulnerability compared to their historical strength.
This latest operation reflects the ongoing complexity of India's struggle against insurgency, as the government continues to pursue a path aimed at pacifying the affected regions and restoring governance amidst ongoing conflicts.
Government data shows that the violence peaked in 2010, leading to the deaths of over 850 people, including security forces and civilians. However, recent years have seen a stark decline in casualties as government efforts have consistently undermined the insurgency's capabilities. The Home Ministry reported that deaths related to the conflict dropped by an impressive 86% from 2010 levels, with the geographic reach of the violence decreasing dramatically—from 126 affected districts to only 38.
Niranjan Sahoo, an expert in left-wing extremism, noted that the Maoists are currently facing significant challenges in recruitment and operational capability, primarily due to reduced territorial control following sustained military pressure. According to him, the group remains concentrated in certain forested districts, particularly around Abujhmad, indicating their vulnerability compared to their historical strength.
This latest operation reflects the ongoing complexity of India's struggle against insurgency, as the government continues to pursue a path aimed at pacifying the affected regions and restoring governance amidst ongoing conflicts.
