In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's ongoing battle against Naxal insurgency, at least 10 Naxals were killed during an encounter with security forces in the forested region of Bhandarpadar, located in the Sukma district. The gunfight broke out early Friday morning as security personnel were conducting a search operation aimed at locating Naxal leaders and dismantling their operations. The forces also managed to recover a cache of weapons from the site of the encounter, including an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS rifle, and a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), along with several rounds of ammunition. These recoveries are a significant blow to the armed Naxal groups in the area.
According to reports, the encounter occurred in a dense forest area, a known stronghold of the Naxals, where these groups have often taken refuge. The operation continues as security forces are sweeping the region to ensure the area is clear of any remaining militants. Inspector General P Sundarraj of the Bastar range confirmed that all 10 bodies of the deceased Naxals have been recovered, and the search operation is still ongoing, aimed at securing the area from further Naxal activities.
This encounter is part of the broader strategy by the security forces to eliminate Naxal violence in the region, a campaign that has seen considerable success in recent years. Since the beginning of 2024, over 200 Naxals have been killed in similar operations across central India, underscoring the government's increasing pressure on the insurgent groups. The total number of Naxal deaths this year has reached 257, with more than 860 arrests and nearly 790 Naxals surrendering to authorities.
The reduction in Naxal violence has been especially marked in comparison to the heights of the insurgency, such as in 2010, when more than 1,000 Naxals were killed. In 2024, the number of deaths has dropped by a remarkable 90%, and the security forces have managed to dismantle a significant portion of Naxal networks. Notably, 2022 was the first year in over four decades where the annual death toll from Naxal violence fell below 100, signaling a major shift in the region's security dynamics.
The government's strategy is centered around the twin pillars of intense security operations and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of Naxalism, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of basic services in tribal areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been vocal about the goal to eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh entirely by 2026. He emphasized that the central government is fully committed to supporting the state in achieving this target by continuously strengthening the security apparatus and carrying out coordinated operations in Naxal-dominated areas.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the government has ramped up its counter-insurgency operations in the Naxal-affected regions, with the deployment of additional security forces, including 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Chhattisgarh. These forces, comprising more than 5,000 personnel, have been tasked with not only targeting militant factions but also providing security for development projects aimed at transforming these areas.
Despite these significant efforts, challenges remain. Naxal groups continue to exploit the rugged terrain and dense forests of Chhattisgarh, which serve as ideal hiding spots for militants. The region's difficult accessibility has often complicated security operations, but the government is determined to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit to restore peace. Additionally, while military operations have been effective in neutralizing militants, the government's development efforts in the region have aimed to win the hearts and minds of the local population, particularly the tribal communities who have historically been caught in the crossfire of this conflict.
As the fight against Naxalism intensifies, experts believe that the key to long-term success lies in a combination of strategic military action and sustainable socio-economic development. It remains to be seen whether the government's objective of a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by 2026 will materialize, but the recent successes, including a notable decline in violence and the increasing number of surrenders, indicate that the state is making substantial progress in reclaiming peace from the insurgent groups.
