Is the Top Maoist Commander Among the Six Killed in Andhra Pradesh Encounter?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madvi Hidma, a notorious Maoist leader, was killed in an encounter with security forces.
- The operation took place in the Maredumilli forest area.
- This marks a significant victory for forces combating Maoist insurgency.
- Hidma was responsible for multiple attacks against security personnel.
- The incident may impact Maoist regrouping efforts in the region.
Visakhapatnam, Nov 18 (NationPress) In a significant development, top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma was among six Maoists who lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire with security forces in the Alluri Sitharamaraju district along the Andhra-Odisha border on Tuesday.
The encounter unfolded in the Maredumilli forest area as police units from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, along with central paramilitary forces, conducted a combing operation following intelligence about Maoist activity.
Reportedly, Madvi Hidma, a member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, was killed during this encounter. His death represents a significant achievement for security forces engaged in anti-Maoist operations.
While the security forces have yet to officially confirm Hidma's demise, he is known to have been responsible for 26 armed attacks on police and paramilitary personnel.
The exchange of fire erupted when security forces surrounded a group of Maoists and called for their surrender. The Maoists allegedly responded with gunfire, prompting the security forces to retaliate.
Efforts to comb the area continue as some Maoists are believed to have fled deeper into the forest.
This encounter occurred near the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh and marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgency.
Hidma, aged 43, was considered a top target in India. He led the first battalion of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), recognized as one of the most formidable Maoist combat units.
With a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head, he was the sole tribal member from the Bastar region in the CPI(Maoist) Central Committee.
Hidma was also implicated in the infamous 2010 massacre of 76 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Dantewada, marking one of the deadliest attacks against security forces in India.
Additionally, he was suspected of orchestrating the killings of 27 individuals, including prominent Congress leaders, at Jhiram Ghati in Chhattisgarh during 2013.
Hidma has also been identified as the mastermind behind the killing of 22 central paramilitary personnel in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, in 2021.
The elimination of this top Maoist commander occurs amidst a series of successful operations by security forces in Chhattisgarh.
This encounter delivers a significant setback to the banned CPI (Maoist), hampering their attempts to regroup in the previously notorious Andhra-Odisha border region.