14 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounters

In a significant development in the ongoing battle against Maoism, 14 Maoists were killed in two separate encounters on Saturday morning in Chhattisgarh's Sukma and Bijapur districts. This operation, executed by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), represents the first confrontation of the year between Maoist insurgents and Indian security forces.

Of the 14 Maoists killed, 12 were eliminated in Sukma, while the remaining two were killed in Bijapur after an encounter that began at 5 am. Among those killed was Mangdu, the secretary of the Konta area committee, indicating that this operation had a substantial impact on the local Maoist leadership.

Superintendent of Police for Sukma, Kiran Chawan, confirmed that all armed Maoists associated with the Konta area committee were neutralized during this encounter. This achievement comes at a critical time as Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline of March 2026 for the complete eradication of Maoism from India.

Interestingly, this encounter coincided with reports of several Maoists, including prominent figures like Barsa Deva alias Barsa Sukka, preparing to surrender to the authorities. This indicates a potential shift within the Maoist ranks, as many leaders and cadres appear disillusioned with armed struggle, a sentiment echoed by Telangana’s DGP.

Since 2024, over 500 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh, reflecting the intensified operations against this insurgency. The ongoing efforts by security forces aim to dismantle the Maoist infrastructure and restore peace in affected regions.

This latest operation not only marks a significant tactical victory for the security forces but also highlights the changing dynamics of the Maoist movement in India. As surrender rates increase and the government presses ahead with its counter-insurgency strategies, the future of Maoism in these areas remains uncertain.