Over 500 Naxalites Neutralised in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh has witnessed a major escalation in anti-insurgency operations, with security forces killing over 500 naxalites in the past two years. The intensified campaign comes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s March 2026 deadline to eradicate Naxalism from India draws closer. Officials say the sustained pressure has significantly weakened the Maoist network, particularly in the Bastar division.
According to official data, a total of 503 naxalites have been killed in encounters across the state during the last two years. The majority of these operations were carried out in the Bastar region, which has long been considered the epicentre of Maoist violence in central India.
Latest Sukma Encounter Adds to Rising Toll
The latest incident occurred in Sukma district, where three Maoists, including a woman, were killed during an early morning encounter with security forces. The clash took place around 5 am in a forested area under the jurisdiction of Golapalli police station, close to the Telangana border.
The operation involved the District Reserve Guard and the Central Reserve Police Force. Senior officials confirmed that weapons were recovered from the site and search operations continued for several hours to ensure no remaining naxalites were hiding in the dense forest.
Security Forces Maintain Operational Pressure
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan stated that the bodies of three Maoist cadres belonging to the Kistaram Area Committee were recovered. He added that joint teams of DRG and CRPF remain deployed in the area to prevent any regrouping by naxalites.
Officials said the encounter reflects a broader strategy of sustained operations rather than isolated actions. Intelligence-based missions have become more frequent, limiting the movement and communication capabilities of naxalites across districts.
Year-Wise Breakdown of Naxalites Killed
In 2025 alone, security forces have killed 284 naxalites in Chhattisgarh. Of these, 255 were neutralised in the Bastar region, highlighting the focus on Maoist strongholds. In 2024, the total number of naxalites killed stood at 219, with 217 deaths reported from Bastar districts.
This consistent increase demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated operations involving state police units and central forces. Officials attribute the success to improved intelligence sharing, better training, and the establishment of forward operating bases in remote areas.
Bastar Remains the Core Battleground
The Bastar region, comprising districts like Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Narayanpur, has been the primary theatre of operations against naxalites. Dense forests, difficult terrain, and limited connectivity once allowed Maoists to operate with relative freedom.
However, recent years have seen a shift in control. Security forces have expanded road networks, improved surveillance, and increased troop presence. These measures have reduced the operational space available to naxalites and disrupted their supply lines.
Leadership Crisis Within Maoist Ranks
Officials claim that the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has suffered a severe leadership crisis in Chhattisgarh. Several top leaders have been killed, captured, or forced to flee the state due to relentless operations.
Among those neutralised are senior figures, including the party’s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, and multiple central committee members. The loss of experienced leaders has reportedly left the organisation fragmented and weakened.
Remaining Top Leaders Under Pressure
According to security sources, only a few central committee members remain active across different states. Some are believed to be operating from Odisha, Jharkhand, or outside Chhattisgarh, while others have gone underground.
Several politburo members have either fled the state or surrendered to the police. Officials believe this reflects declining morale within the ranks of naxalites, as sustained operations leave little room for recovery or reorganisation.
Amit Shah’s March 2026 Deadline
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly emphasised the government’s commitment to ending Naxalism by March 2026. Following this announcement, security operations across naxalites-affected states have intensified, with Chhattisgarh at the centre of the strategy.
The deadline has brought renewed urgency to counter-insurgency efforts. Senior officials say clear targets, improved coordination, and political backing have boosted the confidence of forces on the ground.
Impact on Local Security and Development
Officials believe the weakening of naxalites will have a direct impact on development in affected regions. Reduced violence is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure in remote tribal areas.
Security agencies also highlight increased surrenders by Maoist cadres, suggesting that pressure combined with rehabilitation policies is encouraging defections. These developments indicate a gradual shift in the long-running conflict.
Conclusion
The killing of over 500 naxalites in Chhattisgarh over the past two years marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against left-wing extremism. While challenges remain, the sustained operations and leadership losses within Maoist ranks suggest a turning point.
As the March 2026 deadline approaches, Chhattisgarh continues to play a decisive role in shaping the future of the anti-naxalites campaign. Authorities remain cautious but optimistic that continued efforts will further reduce the threat and bring lasting stability to the region.