In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, security forces in Chhattisgarh gunned down fourteen Maoists in two separate encounters on Saturday morning. The operations, which mark the first major clash of the year, took place in the restive districts of Sukma and its neighbor Bijapur.
Details of the Dual Encounters
The coordinated actions were carried out by the District Reserve Guard (DRG). According to officials, the first and larger engagement occurred in the southern part of Sukma district, where twelve Maoists were neutralized. The second gunfight unfolded simultaneously in the southern region of Bijapur district, leading to the death of two more insurgents. The encounters began in the early hours, around 5 am.
Among the slain in Sukma was a high-value target identified as Mangdu, who served as the secretary of the Maoists' Konta area committee. His elimination is considered a major tactical success for the security apparatus. Sukma Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chawan, stated that the operation had effectively neutralized all armed Maoists affiliated with the Konta area committee, severely crippling the local insurgent structure.
A Sustained Push Against Insurgency
This operation is part of an intensified and sustained campaign against Maoist forces in the state. The action gains added significance as it comes less than three months before a crucial deadline. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set March 2026 as the target for substantially curbing the Maoist threat.
The security forces have been relentless in their pursuit. Since 2024, over 500 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh. The year 2025 alone saw 285 Maoist casualties across the state, with the vast majority—256—occurring in the Bastar region, which encompasses Sukma and Bijapur. This follows the 219 Maoists killed in 2024, including 217 in Bastar.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The successful twin encounters underscore the growing operational efficacy of state forces in the challenging terrain of central India. The decimation of a full committee's armed wing represents a clear setback for Maoist operations in one of their traditional strongholds.
This continued pressure is aimed at dismantling the military capabilities of the insurgent groups ahead of the Union Home Minister's deadline. The operations signal a clear intent to maintain an aggressive posture to ensure security and enable development in the region's most affected areas. The focus remains on reclaiming territory and influence from the Maoists to restore lasting peace in Chhattisgarh.
