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In a monumental achievement for India’s security forces, 14 Naxalites, including a prominent leader, Jairam alias Chalpati, have been neutralized in a joint operation conducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operations Group (SOG) Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. Jairam, a member of the Naxalite Central Committee, had a reward of ₹1 crore on his head for his significant role in propagating Naxal violence in the region. His neutralization is a major success in the fight against the insurgent group. According to authorities, the operation is still ongoing, and further updates on the encounter are expected in the coming hours.
The neutralization of Jairam, who was a senior member of the Naxalite hierarchy, marks a significant milestone in the government’s continuous efforts to eliminate Naxalism from the country. This operation, which took place in the dense forested areas along the border of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, involved meticulous planning and coordination between various security agencies. It underscores the dedication and efficiency of India’s armed forces in confronting such insurgent threats head-on. The joint forces’ success in eliminating 14 Naxalites in this encounter is seen as a critical moment in the ongoing war against the Naxal movement that has plagued several parts of India for decades.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s Praise for the Security Forces
Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 21, 2025
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to congratulate the forces for their victory. In a tweet, Shah highlighted the pivotal role that the security forces played in the recent success, stating, “Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.” The Home Minister’s words resonate with the government’s commitment to eradicating the Naxal threat and restoring peace in affected regions.
Increasing Naxal Violence and Its Challenges
This success comes on the heels of several other violent encounters between Naxals and security forces in recent weeks. On January 17, two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans sustained injuries after Naxals detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh. This attack occurred while a BSF road-opening party was deployed between Camp Garpa and Garpa village. The incident, though unfortunate, highlights the persistent threat posed by Naxalites in the region and the ongoing struggle faced by security personnel.
Earlier, on January 16, a pressure IED planted by Naxals in Bijapur district injured two CRPF jawans. These attacks form part of the continuous cycle of violence that security forces have been combating in the region. Such incidents reveal the relentless nature of Naxal activities, which involve not only direct combat but also sophisticated tactics such as bombings and ambushes aimed at destabilizing law and order.
In addition to the successful encounter that neutralized 14 Naxalites, there have been other significant operations in the region that have yielded substantial results. On January 12, a security operation led to the death of five Naxalites, including two women, during a fierce encounter in Bijapur. In the aftermath, several automatic weapons and explosives were recovered, along with Maoist literature and materials used for guerrilla warfare. The seizure of these weapons and explosives is a critical blow to Naxal operations in the region and undermines their ability to carry out further attacks.
In a related development, on January 16, bodies of 12 Naxalites, including five women, were recovered from the South Bastar area after an intense clash between security forces and Naxal militants. IG Bastar P Sundarraj reported that a significant quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized during this operation. Sundarraj reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to continue their work of dismantling Naxal networks and restoring peace and stability to the region.
Effective Coordination Strengthens the Battle Against Naxalism
The neutralization of high-ranking Naxal leaders and the continuing success of joint operations highlight the growing effectiveness of coordinated action between different law enforcement agencies. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police have worked in unison to target key areas where Naxals have historically been active. These efforts are part of the broader strategy to eliminate the Naxal threat, which has affected India for more than five decades, particularly in the central and eastern regions.
The joint operations and the ongoing crackdown on Naxal activities are part of a larger push by the Indian government to create a “Naxal-free Bharat.” This goal aligns with the broader vision of securing the country from the scourge of left-wing extremism. With consistent action from security forces and improved intelligence gathering, the Naxal insurgency appears to be weakening, as evidenced by the significant setbacks faced by the Naxalites in recent operations.
While the recent successes in Chhattisgarh and surrounding regions are a significant step towards achieving a Naxal-free India, the battle is far from over. Naxalism remains a deeply entrenched issue in certain parts of India, requiring sustained efforts from all levels of government, the military, and law enforcement agencies. The ongoing collaboration between state and central forces, the use of technology for intelligence gathering, and the implementation of development programs in Naxal-affected areas are essential in ensuring lasting peace and security.
The Indian government, backed by the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah, has demonstrated its unwavering resolve to defeat Naxalism. As the fight continues, the success of operations like these offers hope that India is inching closer to a future where Naxalism no longer poses a threat to national security.
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