What Happened in Jharkhand's Gumla with Three Maoists?
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Synopsis
In a decisive encounter in Jharkhand's Gumla district, police and security forces took down three Maoists affiliated with the JJMP, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. This event raises critical questions about the security situation in the region and the effectiveness of the state's anti-insurgency measures.
Key Takeaways
- The encounter in Gumla resulted in the deaths of three high-profile Maoists.
- Jharkhand Police have intensified operations against Naxals this month.
- Recovery of sophisticated weaponry indicates the threat level of insurgents.
- Strategic operations aim to eliminate Naxal presence by 2026.
- The state continues to grapple with Maoist insurgency challenges.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a significant operation, three Maoists affiliated with the outlawed group Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were eliminated during a confrontation with police and security forces on Wednesday morning in Jharkhand.
This encounter transpired in the thick forests of Kechki, located under the jurisdiction of the Bishunpur police station in Gumla district.
Authorities have identified the deceased as Lalu Lohra, Chhotu Oraon, and Sujeet Oraon. Both Lalu Lohra and Chhotu Oraon held the rank of sub-zonal commanders within JJMP, each with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on their heads. Sujeet Oraon was noted as an active member of the group. Lohra hailed from Lohardaga district, Chhotu from Latehar, and Sujeet from Lohardaga.
According to Gumla Police, sophisticated arms were recovered from the scene, including an AK-47 rifle that was in Lalu Lohra's possession. Additional firearms and ammunition were also seized from the trio.
A thorough search and combing operation is currently underway in the adjacent forest areas to ensure no other insurgents are present.
This encounter marks the fourth anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand this month, bringing the total number of Naxals killed in September to eight.
On September 15, three prominent Maoists, including Sahdev Soren alias Pravesh (wanted with a Rs 1 crore bounty), were killed in an encounter in Gorhar, Hazaribagh district.
Earlier, on September 14, Mukhdev Yadav, a Maoist with a Rs 5 lakh bounty, was neutralized in Palamu’s Manatu forest during a clash with the banned TSPC (Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee). On September 7, security forces eliminated Amit Hansda alias Upton, another Maoist with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, in Goilkera, West Singhbhum district.
As reported by Jharkhand Police, 32 Maoists have been killed in operations thus far in 2025. On average, approximately three Naxals are killed in police encounters every month, with an estimated 100 to 150 Maoists remaining active in the state.
Police records also indicate a list of 13 top Maoists on the most-wanted list, including Misir Besra, Patiram Manjhi, and Aseem Mandal, each with a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Other notable names include Anmol, Mochhu, Ajay Mahato, Agen Angaria, Ashwin, Pintu Lohra, Chandan Lohra, Jaykant, and Rapa Munda.
The largest anti-Naxal operation of the year occurred on April 21, resulting in the deaths of eight Maoists, including Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore, in Luggu Pahad, Bokaro district.
In collaboration with central paramilitary forces, Jharkhand Police are implementing a long-term anti-Naxal strategy aimed at making the state entirely free of Naxal influence by March 2026.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the complexities surrounding anti-Naxal operations. The recent encounter in Gumla is a testament to the continued efforts of law enforcement to combat insurgency. While these operations can yield immediate results, they also underscore the need for holistic approaches to address the root causes of such conflicts.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Maoists have been killed in Jharkhand this month?
Eight Maoists have been killed in various encounters in Jharkhand in September.
What is the status of Maoists in Jharkhand?
There are an estimated 100 to 150 Maoists still active in Jharkhand.
What was recovered from the encounter site?
Sophisticated weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and other firearms and ammunition, were recovered from the encounter site.
What are the goals of the Jharkhand Police regarding Naxals?
The Jharkhand Police aim to make the state completely free from Naxal influence by March 2026.
Who were the identified Maoists killed in the encounter?
The slain Maoists were identified as Lalu Lohra, Chhotu Oraon, and Sujeet Oraon.
