5 Killed, 1,000 Trapped in Massive Crackdown
In a historic offensive against left-wing extremism, Indian security forces have launched the largest anti-Naxal operation ever, mobilizing over 20,000 personnel from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The operation, centered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, has already resulted in the deaths of five Naxals and the encirclement of over 1,000 cadres, including top leaders such as Hidma and battalion chief Deva.
The multi-agency crackdown, ongoing for more than 48 hours, is unfolding in the Karregutta hills, a rugged terrain along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The goal: to dismantle the core leadership and infrastructure of the insurgency in one of India’s most volatile red zones.
Naxalism in India: A Lingering Insurgency
For decades, Naxalism—a Maoist-inspired insurgency—has plagued India’s tribal belt, primarily in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Born from socio-economic disparities, exploitation of forest dwellers, and land alienation, Naxal groups initially claimed to fight for the rights of marginalized communities.
However, over the years, the movement has devolved into a violent, militarized insurgency, using ambushes, landmines, extortion, and sabotage to disrupt governance and development in rural India. These activities have resulted in the deaths of thousands, including civilians, security forces, and government officials.
The Government’s Strategy: Deadline for Elimination by 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has drawn a firm line in the sand—March 31, 2026, as the deadline to completely eliminate Naxalism from Indian soil. To meet this target, the government has implemented a two-pronged approach: intensified security operations and developmental outreach.
The ongoing operation in Bijapur is part of this broader offensive. Security forces—including CRPF’s CoBRA units, State Special Task Forces, District Reserve Guards (DRG), and Bastar Fighters—have converged in one of the largest joint deployments ever seen in internal security.
The use of advanced intelligence inputs, drone surveillance, long-range patrols, and terrain-mapping technology has given this operation a tactical edge. The strategy is to choke escape routes, neutralize leadership, and dismantle weapons stockpiles and communication networks.
Challenging Terrain and Tactics: A Measured Battle
What sets this operation apart is its scale, coordination, and patience. The Karregutta hills are not just rugged; they’re also rigged. Intelligence revealed that the Naxals had planted multiple IEDs and issued warnings to villagers to stay away—a clear sign of their preparedness.
Despite the danger, the security forces have adopted a siege-and-starve strategy, avoiding rushed confrontations and aiming to corner the Naxals while minimizing troop casualties. Such strategic restraint reflects the maturity and modernization of counter-insurgency operations in India today.
A Turning Point in India’s Internal Security War
This ongoing crackdown marks a pivotal moment in India’s fight against domestic insurgency. With 1,000 Naxals trapped, including some of the most-wanted commanders, the outcome of this operation could reshape the landscape of left-wing extremism in India for years to come.
While bullets may end a battle, true victory lies in dismantling the ideological appeal of Naxalism through governance, education, and inclusive development. As India pushes forward with one of its most ambitious counter-insurgency efforts yet, the message is clear: the red corridor is shrinking, and so is the space for terror within.
(With inputs from agencies)
