HM Shah Commends Security Forces for Anti-Maoist Operations in Jharkhand
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Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces for their success in anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand, emphasizing the government's goal to eradicate Left Wing Extremism by March 2026. Eight Maoists were neutralized, including a high-profile leader. The government remains committed to addressing this insurgency effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised security forces' anti-Maoist efforts.
- Eight Maoists, including a top leader, were neutralized in Jharkhand.
- The government aims to eradicate Left Wing Extremism by March 2026.
- Increased anti-LWE operations reflect a strong commitment.
- 244 Maoists arrested this year, with ongoing operations.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday commended the security forces for their significant achievement in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026.
“Our relentless effort to eliminate Naxalism is ongoing,” stated the Home Minister's Office (HMO) in a social media update on platform X.
“Today, security forces recorded another major victory against Naxalism. During an encounter in Lugu Hills of Bokaro, Jharkhand, 8 Maoists were neutralized, including a high-ranking Naxal leader, Vivek, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore, alongside two other infamous Naxalites. The operation is still underway. We commend our security forces,” reported the HMO.
During his trips to Chhattisgarh’s Raipur and Jagdalpur in August and December 2024, HM Shah issued stern warnings to the Maoists, calling for them to surrender.
He insisted that any acts of violence would face strong retaliation from the security forces.
HM Shah also set a bold timeline, asserting that LWE would be eliminated nationwide by March 31, 2026.
Subsequent to this declaration, anti-LWE initiatives across multiple states have seen a notable increase, reflecting the government's dedication to tackling this insurgency.
In the Jharkhand operation on Monday, at least eight Maoists, including senior commander Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore, were killed in Bokaro district, according to officials.
The skirmish initiated around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, with intermittent gunfire reported from both sides. Officials indicated that the casualty count may rise further.
The deceased Maoist Manjhi, a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist), was known by various aliases - Vivek Da, Phuchna, Nago Manjhi, and Karan Da - and had been active in the Parasnath hills and nearby regions of Giridih for several months.
Originally hailing from Dalbudha in Tundi (Dhanbad district), he was a prominent Maoist leader sought in over 100 incidents across Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. In Giridih district alone, he was wanted in more than 50 cases.
This year, 13 Maoists have been eliminated in encounters with security forces in Jharkhand. The police have set an objective to render the state completely free from Maoism by the end of 2025.
As per data from Jharkhand Police, 244 Maoists have been apprehended this year, while nine were killed in encounters prior to this operation.
Moreover, 24 Maoists, including four zonal commanders, one sub-general commander, and three area commanders, have surrendered and reintegrated into society.
