A Decade of Terror: The Downfall of Maoist Terrorism in Chhattisgarh

 

 

 

Chhattisgarh has been a theatre of violence over the last decade with the Maoists creating mayhem in the entire state. These terrorists also targeted security personnel, civilians and infrastructure with an object to destabilise the region and attempt to weaken the willpower of Governments. According to the SATP, between 2013 and 2023 at least 445 security personnel besides the killing of over a little less than half as many civilians were killed in violence related to Maoists. Maoists walked into the region, using guerrilla tactics, ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to terrorise villagers in remote regions of Bastar division.

 

 

This scenario started changing dramatically with the strategic interventions of our present government. Chief Minister Vishu Deo Sai and Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah blended the military action with massive developing projects backed up community engagements as well. This has been historically proven to be effective from Jan 1, 2024 all the way up until today.

 

 

Operation Red Hunt: Undertaken by early 2024, this operation focused on destroying Maoist Bastions in the difficult jugged terrain of Bastar. In the first quarter of 2024, as many as 35 Maoists had been killed in encounters with security forces and another 41 arrested while around two dozen surrendered. The continuous cooperation with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh police against the Maoists was also very important.

 

Intelligence Led Operations: Improved intelligence sharing and striking capabilities against Maoist leadership had a salutary impact. A big success was achieved in April 2024, with the killing of top Maoist commander Sagar, who led several deadly attacks on security forces and also executed operations like the Tadmetla ambush. This success disheartened the Maoists, and paralyzed their operations.

 

 

The data from January 1, 2024, to today underscores the effectiveness of the current strategies:

 

 

These figures starkly contrast the bloodshed of the previous decade, showcasing a remarkable decline in violence and a substantial increase in security.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The state vision of a Maoist-free Chhattisgarh is, therefore, caught between the pincer of maintaining pressure on them and simultaneously creating an atmosphere where trust and development can flow with newer vigors. In addition, utilisation of contemporary technology in counter insurgency operations i.e. drones and satellite surveillance ensures foolproof accuracy and effectiveness for the new security arrangements as well.

 

 

The Maoist terrorists of Chhattisgarh are experiencing a radical change in their narrative. The path from the dark decade of terror and bloodshed to the brightest year greeted by strategic victories, hope for all triumphs has been fraught with pain but blessed back. The recent victories over Maoist terror, if sustained through a long term and holistic approach of security measures provides a template for other similarly afflicted regions.

 

The blood spilt by security forces and the most resilient tribal population will yield abundant fruit. For the state of Chhattisgarh that is stepping into a sanity and peace zone, these learnings from dark times are expected to be guiding lights for India's longest fight-to end left-wing extremism.

In the words of Home Minister Amit Shah, “Naxalism has been confined to a small area due to the offensive policy of the government and the efforts of security forces. Soon Chhattisgarh and entire India will be completely Naxal-free.”