Explained: Why anti-Maoist operations have intensified in Chhattisgarh
What's the story
Chhattisgarh has witnessed a major crackdown on anti-Maoist operations this year, with 81 Maoists killed till now.
The latest incident happened on Sunday at Indravati National Park in Bijapur district, where a major encounter between security forces and Maoists led to the killing of 31 insurgents and two security personnel.
The operation was a joint effort of several security units including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, and Special Task Force (STF).
Anti-extremism pledge
Government's commitment to eradicate Left-wing extremism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the government's commitment to wipe out Left-wing extremism by March 2026.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been on an aggressive offensive against Maoists since coming to power in December 2023.
In 2024 alone, security forces killed 219 Maoists, the highest annual toll since Chhattisgarh's formation.
Strategic infrastructure
Role of forward base camps in anti-Maoist operations
The establishment of forward base camps "are not only restricting the movement of Maoists but are also helping forces to conduct major operations," former Additional Director General of Police (Naxal operations), R K Vij told The Indian Express.
These camps have allowed road construction and mobile network installations deep inside jungles, thus shrinking Maoist areas.
Since 2019, 100 police camps have been set up in the Bastar region alone, with 30 set up last year.
Community engagement
Niyad Nellanar scheme aids in local support
The Niyad Nellanar scheme, which offers basic amenities to villagers from these camps, is also paying off, according to Vij.
The initiative has helped gain local support against Maoists.
Arrests and surrenders have skyrocketed, with arrests increasing from 428 in 2023 to 837 in 2024, and surrenders from 398 to 802 in the same period.
Tactical advancement
Improved coordination and strategy boost anti-Maoist operations
Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, has credited the success of anti-Maoist operations to better coordination among forces and improved tactics based on past experiences.
The recent operation saw around 650 soldiers who engaged Maoists from the National Park Area Committee of the CPI (Maoist).
A huge cache of weapons was recovered after Sunday's encounter, including AK47s and explosives.
State assurance
Chhattisgarh government's confidence in eradicating Maoism
Chhattisgarh's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has said Bijapur's national park area, which was once a safe haven for Maoists, is now under control.
The state government continues to be confident that Chhattisgarh will be free of Maoism by March 2026.
Additional reinforcements have been sent to keep the momentum against Maoists and efforts are on to identify the deceased insurgents from Sunday's encounter.