Significant Strike: 14 Maoists Eliminated in Major Operation on Chhattisgarh-Odisha Border
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, security forces neutralised 14 Maoists during a fierce confrontation lasting over 24 hours along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation as a critical blow to Naxalism, reinforcing the government's commitment to eradicating the threat by 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 14 Maoists neutralised in a 24-hour operation.
- Union Home Minister praises the operation.
- Significant recovery of weapons and Maoist materials.
- Indications of more bodies or weapons at the site.
- Government's commitment to a Naxal-free India.
Raipur, Jan 21 (NationPress) In a significant operation, security forces successfully neutralised 14 Maoists during a fierce confrontation that spanned over 24 hours in the dense woodlands along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, officials reported on Tuesday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, referring to it as a “significant blow to Naxalism.” He mentioned in a post on X, “Our security forces have made a substantial achievement towards creating a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police, engaged in a coordinated operation, have taken down 14 Naxalites along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.”
He further stated, “With our commitment to a Naxal-free India and the collaborative efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is on the verge of extinction today.”
Authorities reported the recovery of a cache of firearms and Maoist materials from the encounter site. Initial reports suggest that among the deceased were several female Maoist operatives.
On Monday, security personnel uncovered two bodies, including that of a female Maoist. A soldier injured during the clash was airlifted to Raipur for urgent medical care.
This operation is recognized as one of the most extensive anti-Naxal campaigns in recent history, marked as a turning point in the struggle against Maoism. It is considered a major setback for the Maoist factions that have been operational in the area for years.
Sources indicate that the search operation at the encounter site is ongoing, with the potential for further bodies or weapons to be discovered. However, official updates are pending.
The operation was initiated based on intelligence reports regarding Maoist activities in the Kularighat reserve forest of Chhattisgarh, close to Odisha's Nuapada district. The confrontation began Monday night and extended into Tuesday morning in the forest area under the Mainpur police station jurisdiction.
The police have indicated that the death toll could increase as the operation unfolds.
This intensified crackdown follows a recent Maoist assault in Chhattisgarh, where eight security personnel lost their lives after their vehicle was ambushed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government's dedication to eliminating Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by 2026.
