Security forces in Chhattisgarh dealt a major blow to left-wing terrorism by eliminating 30 Maoists in twin encounters at the Dantewada-Bijapur border on Thursday.

The first encounter took place at the Dantewada-Bijapur border, resulting in the death of 26 Naxals.

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Acting on intelligence inputs regarding a significant Maoist presence in the Gangaloor region, joint forces launched an operation that led to a prolonged exchange of fire. The bodies of all slain Naxal insurgents have been recovered, while one District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan, Raju Oyami, was martyred.

The encounter is ongoing, with intermittent gunfire reported from both sides. Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P confirmed that security forces have penetrated deep into the Naxal stronghold, while Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav stated that the operation is progressing as planned. Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai reported that security personnel from Hiroli had advanced strategically to strengthen the siege.

In a parallel operation along the Kanker-Narayanpur border in southern Chhattisgarh, security forces have gunned down four Naxal insurgents in a fierce ongoing firefight, triggered by intelligence of a significant Naxal gathering. The jawans have encircled a large insurgent group, recovering four weapons, including an automatic SLR, from the encounter site, underscoring the clash’s intensity.

As forces tighten their grip and press deeper into the area, authorities expect the Naxal insurgents’ death toll to rise, with the situation still unfolding and heavy exchanges of gunfire continuing unabated.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operations as a significant milestone in the ‘Naxal-free India’ campaign. “Our jawans have achieved another major success, eliminating 22 Naxalites in two separate operations,” Shah stated, reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward insurgents who reject surrender and rehabilitation offers.

He expressed confidence in eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai echoed Shah’s sentiments, praising the security forces for their relentless efforts. “This is a crucial step toward freeing Bastar from the ruthless grip of Naxalism,” Sai said, while mourning the martyrdom of DRG jawan Raju Oyami. He vowed to meet the 2026 deadline set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

These operation are part of a sustained crackdown on Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh. Since the beginning of 2025, security forces have neutralized 116 Naxals in the state, while in 2024, approximately 300 were eliminated in various encounters. The central and state governments have intensified efforts to dismantle Naxal networks, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah setting a target to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, in the Thulthuli region along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast injured two jawans. Both are reported to be in stable condition, while security forces continue search operations in the region. The persistent threat of IEDs highlights the challenges security personnel face in counterinsurgency operations.

The Chhattisgarh police, along with DRG and Special Task Force (STF) units, have launched relentless operations to dismantle Naxal strongholds. Among the most significant encounters this year was the killing of 31 Naxal insurgents in Bijapur National Park on February 9. On January 16, security forces eliminated 18 insurgents at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

On January 20-21, security forces neutralized 16 Naxal insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district. Earlier, on January 12, five Naxals, including two women, were killed in an operation in Bijapur’s Madden area. The most devastating attack on security forces occurred on January 6, when an IED blast in Bijapur led to the martyrdom of eight personnel and one driver.

A large-scale operation in February along the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border involved over 1,000 security personnel engaging in a fierce gunfight, resulting in the elimination of 31 Maoists in Bijapur’s Indravati National Park area. One DRG and one STF jawan were martyred in that encounter, while two others sustained injuries and were airlifted to Raipur for treatment.

The Naxal insurgency has been a persistent challenge in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region, where dense forests and difficult terrain provide cover for guerrilla warfare.

In response, the government has adopted a dual strategy, combining aggressive military action with developmental initiatives aimed at undermining Naxal influence. Security forces are establishing forward operating bases, expanding road and telecom infrastructure, and promoting welfare schemes such as PDS shops, anganwadis, and electrification projects to build trust among tribal communities.

Bastar IG Sundarraj P emphasized that targeting high-ranking Naxal cadres has significantly weakened their operational capacity, with improved intelligence playing a critical role in recent successes. The government is also encouraging Maoist surrenders as part of a broader strategy to restore peace in the region.

The March 20, 2025, encounter marks another significant step in the ongoing battle against left wing extremism. While security forces have made substantial gains, the loss of personnel and the continued use of IEDs by Naxal insurgents underscore the dangers faced by those on the front lines.

With the government setting a 2026 deadline for eradicating Naxal insurgency, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Chhattisgarh can dismantle Naxal networks and pave the way for long term stability and development.