Historic Naxal Operation Claims 31 Lives on Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border

Major Anti-Naxal Operation in Chhattisgarh-Telangana

In a major blow to Maoist insurgents, security forces have neutralized 31 Naxals in a large-scale operation conducted in the Kurraguttalu hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The operation, hailed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the “largest anti-Naxal operation ever” in India, has effectively reclaimed a region once considered a stronghold of left-wing extremists.

A Historic Victory

Announcing the success on X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote, ‘Achieving a historic success in our resolve for a #NaxalFreeBharat, security forces have eliminated 31 notorious Naxalites… Once ruled by red terror, this hill today proudly flies the tricolour.’ He further emphasized that Kurraguttalu hill, a key operational base for the Maoists, has been liberated.

Challenges Overcome

The operation, which involved the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Telangana’s Special Task Force (STF), and the District Reserve Guard (DRG), faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions and the rugged terrain. Despite these hurdles, Shah confirmed that there were no casualties among the security forces.

Naxal Stronghold Dismantled

Kurraguttalu hill served as a unified headquarters for several high-level Maoist formations, including PLGA Battalion 1, the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), the Telangana State Committee (TSC), and the Central Regional Command (CRC). It played a crucial role in the training, strategic planning, and arms manufacturing activities of the Maoist insurgency in central India.

Government’s Commitment to Eradicate Naxalism

Shah reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the four-decade-old Naxal problem. He stated, ‘Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to uprooting Naxalism… I once again assure the people of India that by 31st March 2026, India will be free of Naxalism.’

The operation comes amidst a general decline in Naxal-related violence over the past decade. Security forces have successfully pushed Maoist cadres into smaller and more isolated pockets. The recent operation marks another significant tactical and symbolic victory in the ongoing fight against Maoist militancy.