25-Km Trek, Pincer Movement: How Security Forces Gunned Down 31 Maoists in Chhattisgarh

In a significant victory against left-wing extremism, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region orchestrated a massive operation that resulted in the deaths of 31 Maoists, including top commanders Kamlesh alias RK and Niti alias Urmila. The encounter took place in the dense forests of Abujhmad, an area notoriously known as a Maoist stronghold and often referred to as the "hills of the unknown."

The Maoist Stronghold of Abujhmad

Abujhmad, located in the Bastar region, is one of the most inaccessible areas in Chhattisgarh, largely controlled by Maoists for decades. The area’s dense forests and rugged terrain make it an ideal hideout for the insurgents. For years, security forces struggled to penetrate this stronghold, but Friday's operation marks a significant achievement in weakening the insurgents' grip.

The Key Figures: Kamlesh and Urmila

Kamlesh, one of the most-wanted Maoist commanders, was originally from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. He was a former student of the Civil Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and had a vast influence across multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Urmila, a native of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh, was a prominent spokesperson for the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), playing a crucial role in Maoist propaganda.

Both Kamlesh and Urmila were key figures in the Maoist insurgency, and their deaths marked a significant blow to the group’s leadership in the region.

The Operation: A 25-Kilometer Trek and Pincer Movement

The encounter followed precise intelligence reports that pointed to the presence of around 50 Maoists in the dense forest between the villages of Thulthuli and Nendur, within the Orchha and Barsur police station limits. These reports identified key figures, including Kamlesh and Urmila, hiding in the area.

The security operation, involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), commenced with a grueling 25-kilometer trek through the dense jungle. The forces then executed a "pincer movement" to corner the Maoists, taking them by surprise and engaging in a fierce gunfight that continued for hours.

At the end of the encounter, security forces recovered 31 bodies and a cache of weapons, including AK-47s, light machine guns (LMGs), self-loading rifles (SLRs), and INSAS rifles, indicating the high-ranking status of the Maoists involved.

Major Success in the Battle Against Maoists

This encounter is being hailed as one of the biggest successes in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. The operation follows similar successes earlier this year, including a major encounter in April where 29 Maoists were killed, and another in August, where three senior Maoist leaders were neutralized.

So far, over 180 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh this year, with more than 200 arrested and an additional 201 surrendering. These numbers reflect a significant weakening of the Maoist movement in the state.

A Broader National Strategy

The successful operations in Chhattisgarh are part of a larger national strategy to combat left-wing extremism. In August 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh, where he met with senior officials from seven Maoist-affected states. The meeting emphasized intensifying efforts to eradicate Maoist insurgency, and the recent encounters reflect the government's firm stance on this issue.

During the meeting, Mr. Shah reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards Maoist violence, urging militants to either surrender or face the full might of the security forces.

Conclusion: A Major Step Forward

The operation in Abujhmad is a significant step forward in the long battle against Maoist extremism in India. By neutralizing key leaders like Kamlesh and Urmila, the security forces have delivered a major blow to the Maoist leadership in the region. The continuing efforts to dismantle left-wing extremism signal the government's resolve to bring peace and development to the affected areas.

Reference From: NDTV