Massive joint operation against Naxals in Bastar begins

JAGDALPUR,CG(INDIA): Security forces have launched an extensive joint operation against Naxalites in Bijapur district of Bastar, one of the most Naxal-affected regions in Chhattisgarh. The operation, ongoing for the past 30 hours, is focused in the hilly terrain of Usur police station area, which lies along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

Since Tuesday morning, over 5,000 personnel have been deployed in the operation, surrounding the Maoist Battalion No. 1. Fierce gunfire continues between the two sides, with forces from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra jointly taking on the Naxal stronghold.

Sources have revealed that Naxalites had laid more than 100 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) across the area to target advancing troops. The security forces are proceeding cautiously, actively engaged in detecting and neutralizing landmines. It has been also identified from the Naxal pamphlets warning the villagers not to move around in the area due to IEDs.

The core of the operation is focused on Karegutta mountain, a critical location at the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. Intelligence reports suggest the presence of several top Maoist commanders and senior cadres in the area. Surveillance operations using drones and satellite imaging have been deployed to monitor every movement.

Participating forces include the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Cobra Battalion, and the Greyhounds from Telangana. The elite C-60 commandos of Maharashtra have also joined the mission, marking one of the largest anti-Naxal operations in the region’s recent history.

Alongside the combing operation, security teams are conducting a major de-mining effort. Supplies such as food and water have been airdropped to troops via helicopter, and a large backup force has been dispatched from Bijapur.

Two soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter and have been airlifted to Raipur for medical treatment. Reports suggest that more than 100 armed Naxalites, including senior leaders like Hidma, Deva, and Vikas, as well as members of the Central Committee of the Andhra-Telangana-Maharashtra zone, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZCM), Divisional Committee Members (DVCM), and Area Committee Members (ACM), are present in the area.

The operation is being considered one of the most strategically significant actions taken in recent times against Naxalite extremism in central India.