Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, hailed the resolute efforts of security personnel following a landmark operation that neutralised several Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister stated that the campaign against Naxalism is progressing in the right direction, underlining the Centre’s unwavering commitment to establish lasting peace in Maoist-affected regions and bring them into the mainstream of development.

Reposting a message from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister echoed the sentiment of triumph as the tricolour was hoisted atop the once Maoist-dominated Karreguttalu Hill. “This historic success reflects the strength and determination of our forces. We salute their courage,” PM Modi remarked.

Union Minister Amit Shah, in his statement, provided insights into the operation, calling it the "biggest anti-Maoist operation" executed in just 21 days. Commending the bravery of personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG), he expressed happiness that the entire mission was completed without any security force casualties. He further assured the nation of the government’s goal to eliminate Maoism entirely by March 31, 2026.

The operation, a joint effort of Chhattisgarh Police and Central Armed Police Forces, commenced on April 21, 2025, after months of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering. Spanning 60 kilometres of treacherous terrain in Karreguttalu Hill, the region had long been a strategic hideout for armed Maoist factions.

The campaign led to a series of intense encounters that resulted in the death of 31 Maoists, including 16 women cadres. Among them, 28 individuals were on the wanted list, carrying a combined reward of Rs 1.72 crore.

Security forces recovered 35 weapons, dismantled 214 bunkers, and unearthed 450 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Notably, despite navigating dangerous terrain and harsh weather, the forces sustained no fatal casualties. However, 18 soldiers did suffer injuries due to IED blasts — none of which were life-threatening.

Once regarded as a stronghold of red terror, Karreguttalu Hill served as the operational base for notorious Maoist units like the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee (TSC), and Central Regional Committee (CRC). The area had facilitated Maoist training, strategic meetings, and arms manufacturing for over two years.

Thanks to the successful coordination between state and Central agencies, four Maoist technical units were dismantled, making this operation a decisive blow to Maoist infrastructure.

Home Minister Shah highlighted that since 2014, the number of Maoist-affected districts has seen a steep decline, reinforcing the effectiveness of the government’s dual-pronged strategy — combining security operations with developmental outreach.

With this latest breakthrough, the Modi-led government inches closer to its long-standing goal of making India Maoist-free, bolstering national security while paving the path for development in tribal and conflict-ridden regions.