Key Points:
- Massive Operation Success: Security forces killed 16 Naxals in a fierce encounter at the Sukma-Dantewada border, marking one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations recently.
- Weapons Recovered: A large cache of arms, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, rocket launchers, and explosives, seized from the site.
- Jawans Injured: Two security personnel sustained minor injuries but are reported to be stable.
- Amit Shah’s Pledge: Union Home Minister lauded the operation and reaffirmed the goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Raipur: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s fight against Naxalism, security forces neutralized 16 Maoists in an intense gunfight at the Sukma-Dantewada border on Saturday morning. The operation, carried out by joint teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), began on Friday night based on specific intelligence about Maoist presence in the Kerlapal area under Sukma police station limits.
Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P confirmed the success of the operation, stating, “Sixteen Naxals have been neutralized. Two jawans sustained minor injuries during the encounter and are receiving medical attention.”
The encounter took place in dense forest terrain near Upampalli village and involved intermittent gunfire that lasted for hours. Security forces are currently conducting intensive searches in the surrounding areas to flush out any remaining insurgents.
Weapons Cache Recovered
The operation yielded a substantial cache of advanced weaponry and explosives from the slain insurgents. Items recovered include:
- AK-47 rifles
- Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs)
- INSAS rifles
- Rocket Launchers
- Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGLs)
- Explosives
Officials described this as one of Sukma’s largest recoveries to date, underscoring the scale of Maoist preparedness in the region.
Union Home Minister Lauds Forces
Reacting to the operation’s success, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised security forces for their decisive action. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shah said, “Another strike on Naxalism! Our security agencies have neutralized 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons. Under PM Modi’s leadership, we are committed to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”
Shah also appealed to armed insurgents to lay down their weapons and embrace peace: “Weapons and violence cannot bring change; only peace and development can.”
Chhattisgarh’s Persistent Struggle Against Naxalism
Sukma, located in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, remains one of India’s most affected districts by Maoist insurgency. This encounter is part of a larger counter-insurgency strategy aimed at dismantling Maoist influence in districts like Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, and Narayanpur.
Earlier this month, security forces eliminated 22 Maoists in separate encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts. According to official data, over 132 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh so far this year a significant blow to insurgent operations.
Amit Shah’s Anti-Naxal Deadline
During a parliamentary session on March 22, Amit Shah reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism entirely by March 31, 2026. He highlighted a sharp decline in violent incidents over the last decade down by 53% compared to earlier years—and emphasized ongoing efforts to restore peace and development in affected regions.
Future Implications
This successful operation not only weakens Maoist capabilities but also boosts morale among security forces battling insurgency in challenging terrains. As searches continue at the encounter site, officials remain vigilant for further threats while focusing on stabilizing the region.
The Sukma operation marks another milestone in India’s long-standing fight against Naxalism a fight that promises peace and progress for communities long plagued by violence.
