Security forces in Chhattisgarh have struck a significant blow against left-wing extremism, eliminating 30 Maoists in two fierce encounters along the Dantewada-Bijapur border on Thursday. One Jawan of DRG Police Raju Oyan was martyred.
The first clash unfolded at the Dantewada-Bijapur border, where 26 Naxals were neutralized following a high-intensity exchange of gunfire. Acting on intelligence inputs about a major Maoist presence in the Bangalore region, security personnel launched a well-coordinated operation that led to prolonged combat.
In the aftermath of the encounter, authorities recovered the bodies of all slain insurgents. Unfortunately, the operation also claimed the life of District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan Raju Oyami, who was martyred in the line of duty.
Gunfire continues intermittently, indicating that the encounter is still underway. Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P confirmed that security forces have made significant inroads into the Naxal stronghold. Meanwhile, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav affirmed that the operation is progressing as per the strategic plan. Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai also noted that security personnel from Hiroli advanced methodically to fortify the siege.
Simultaneously, another operation along the Kanker-Narayanpur border in southern Chhattisgarh resulted in the elimination of four more Naxal insurgents. Intelligence reports had suggested a substantial gathering of Maoists in the area, prompting the security forces to engage in a relentless battle.
Security personnel have successfully encircled a large group of insurgents, recovering four weapons, including an automatic Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), from the encounter site. The intensity of the clash underscores the determination of security forces to dismantle Naxal networks.
As the forces tighten their grip, the number of Naxal casualties is expected to rise, with heavy gunfire exchanges still ongoing.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operations, calling them a landmark achievement in the campaign to rid India of Naxal insurgency. “Our brave jawans have secured another major victory by eliminating 22 Naxalites in two separate encounters,” Shah stated, reaffirming the government’s uncompromising stance against armed insurgents unwilling to surrender or rehabilitate.
He reiterated his commitment to eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Echoing Shah’s stance, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the relentless efforts of security personnel. “This marks a crucial step toward liberating Bastar from the clutches of Naxal terror,” Sai said while mourning the sacrifice of DRG jawan Raju Oyami. He vowed to meet the 2026 deadline set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The central and state governments have ramped up their anti-Naxal initiatives, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah setting an ambitious target to eradicate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, in the Thulthuli region along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast injured two jawans. Fortunately, both are reported to be in stable condition as security forces continue search operations in the area. The persistent threat of IEDs highlights the significant challenges faced by personnel in counterinsurgency operations.
The Chhattisgarh police, in collaboration with the DRG and Special Task Force (STF), have intensified their crackdown on Naxal strongholds.
On January 20-21, security forces successfully neutralized 16 Naxal insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district. Earlier, on January 12, an operation in Bijapur’s Madden area resulted in the deaths of five Naxals, including two women.
However, the most devastating attack on security personnel occurred on January 6, when an IED blast in Bijapur claimed the lives of eight security personnel and a driver.
The Naxal insurgency has long plagued Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region, where dense forests and difficult terrain provide ideal conditions for guerrilla warfare.
In response, the government has adopted a two-pronged strategy—combining aggressive military action with developmental initiatives aimed at undermining Maoist influence and providing alternative opportunities for affected communities.
With the 2026 deadline in sight, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Chhattisgarh can successfully dismantle Naxal networks and pave the way for lasting peace, security, and development in the region.
