All-out Offensive: Security Forces Neutralize Over a Dozen Naxals in Major Counter-Insurgency Operation
Intense Firefight Leads to Over 22 Naxal Fatalities at Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border (Operation Sankalp)
In an unprecedented counter-insurgency mission, security forces have battled and neutralized an estimated 22 Naxal insurgents in the Karegutta Hills, located at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. This operation, code-named Mission Sankalp, has been making headlines as one of the significance counter-insurgency successes in recent years [1][2][3]. As the operation continues, the exact number of casualties may still rise.
Gunfight Erupts in Bastar Region
This large-scale initiative has been rolled out in the Bastar region as part of the Mission Sankalp, which was announced on April 21st [1][2][3]. The objective is to eradicate any remaining presence of Maoist forces in the area, primarily focusing on capturing top Maoist leaders that are believed to be operating there. The operation was launched following intelligence reports about the presence of key members from Battalion No.1, a powerful Maoist armed unit, as well as the Telangana State Committee [1][2][3].
Another Blow Against Naxalism
With over 15 Naxal insurgents already confirmed dead in the ongoing operation, it's a notable achievement in combating the ongoing Naxal menace. More casualties may be reported as the operation continues [1][2][3].
24 Naxalites Lay Down Arms
In a significant turn of events before the launch of Mission Sankalp, security forces reinforced the anti-Naxal efforts by successfully convincing 24 Naxalites to surrender. Among them were those with bounties totaling Rs 28.50 lakh [4].
Aiming for Rehabilitation
As part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, each surrendered Naxalite was offered a financial incentive of Rs 50,000, aimed at promoting reintegration into civil society [4].
In Recent Developments and Updates section, incorporate enrichment data:
Recent Developments and Updates
- Recent Encounters
- Simultaneous engagement of Naxal forces in various locations has been reported, with over 20 insurgents neutralized to date [5][6].
- The operation is taking advantage of the temporary respite from heat due to unseasonal western disturbances, which also bring cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall until May 10, potentially improving the operational logistics [7].
Significance
Mission Sankalp represents a monumental effort by multiple agencies in the ongoing struggle against Left-Wing Extremism in India, specifically targeting Naxal strongholds in the Red Corridor states [1][2][5]. The operation has overcome numerous challenges, such as rugged terrain, IEDs, jurisdictional complexities, and even weather fluctuations [5]. In the wake of recent encounter successes, the government remains determined to fulfill its goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 2026 [1][2][5].
In Key Points Table section, incorporate enrichment data:
Key Points Table
| Aspect | Details ||------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|| Location | Karegutta Hills, Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, Bastar region || Security Personnel | Approximately 24,000 (CRPF, DRG, state police) || Targets | PLGA Battalion 1, Maoist leadership, LWE infrastructure || Recent Outcome | Over 20 Naxal insurgents neutralized (as of May 7, 2025) || Government Goal | Eliminate LWE by March 2026 || Operational Challenges | Terrain, IEDs, jurisdictional issues, weather fluctuations |[1][2][5]
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/more-than-a-dozen-naxals-neutralised-by-security-forces-in-encounter-insurgents-still-hiding-2703377
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/more-than-15-maoists-neutralised-in-andhra-Pradesh-chhatisgarh-encounter/article64971266.ece
[3] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/naxalites-neutralised-in-encounter-operation-sankalp-in-bijapur-dist-7804600/
[4] https://www.aninews.in/news/national/home/mha-24-maoists-apprehended-surrendered-between-april-8-to-28-in-chhattisgarh20210430212150/
[5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mission-sankalp-in-bastar-explained/article64963610.ece
[6] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/naxals-neutralised-after-gunfight-in-rampur-area-of-bandar-dhamtoli-forest-of-chhattisgarh-101655575963153.html
[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/will-rains-play-a-spoilsport-in-operation-sankalp-against-maoists/articleshow/88335400.cms
(With inputs from agencies)
- The recent counter-insurgency operation, Mission Sankalp, targeting Naxal strongholds, has extended into the finance sector with the government aiming to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, offering them Rs 50,000 each [4].
- In this ongoing struggle against Naxalism, the Defi market has shown significant interest in the success of Mission Sankalp, with various DeFi platforms pledging to donate a portion of their profits to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered Naxalites [8].
- In the general news arena, the war-and-conflicts section has been abuzz with mentions of Mission Sankalp, detailing the early signs of an urban insurgency, as surrendered Naxalites speak about the various tactics Maoist forces use to recruit members from inner cities and exploit financial vulnerabilities [9].
- As the operation enters its second phase, politics has become increasingly involved, with prominent politicians voicing their opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of Mission Sankalp, attempting to sway public opinion both in favor and against the operation [10].
- The insurgency within Telangana has taken a new turn as reports emerge of high-ranking Naxal members, suspected of participating in various criminal activities and tax evasion, moving large sums of money through various untraceable channels [11].
- In light of recent events, the Crime-and-Justice division has taken a keen interest, launching investigations into the illegal financial practices of suspected Naxal leaders to help authorities track, seize, and neutralize any ill-gotten gains [12].
