Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a crucial meeting on October 7 to review the security and development situation in areas affected by left-wing extremism. The meeting follows a major success for the security forces in their battle against Naxalites, with 31 insurgents killed in a two-day operation in the Maad area on the Narayanpur-Dantewada border.
The recent operation was a joint effort by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) units from Dantewada and Narayanpur, along with the Special Task Force (STF). Acting on intelligence that around 40 to 50 Naxalites were gathering for a meeting, the forces moved in to surround them.
The resulting encounter saw a heavy exchange of fire, which ended with the death of 31 Naxalites and the recovery of numerous automatic weapons. This success has been marked as the biggest achievement so far in the battle against Naxal violence, despite the challenging terrain and rainy weather.
Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai highlighted the significance of the operation, mentioning the challenging conditions the forces faced while conducting the operation in the dense forest.
He emphasised that this joint effort by the security personnel led to an important victory for the government forces, particularly given the terrain which posed difficulties due to heavy rainfall.
The encounter took place in the Abhujmad region, a known stronghold for Naxal groups and considered a safe haven for their operations. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kamalochan Kashyap explained that the operation was planned four days in advance after receiving information that some senior Naxalite leaders were expected in the area.
He mentioned that Company 6, a Naxal group with around 100 to 150 members, is highly active in this region, and their presence made this operation especially significant for the security forces.
Inspector General (IG) Bastar, Sundarraj P, confirmed that 31 bodies of Naxal fighters have been recovered so far, along with a significant amount of arms and ammunition. He said that the search operation is ongoing, and further details would be updated once it is completed.
Earlier this year, Amit Shah reiterated his commitment to ending left-wing extremism, vowing that it will be eradicated from the country by March 2026. He has consistently emphasised the government’s determination to deal a final blow to extremist elements with a strong strategy.
In August, during a press conference in Raipur, Shah stated that the battle against left-wing extremism is in its concluding phase under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The recent success in Narayanpur-Dantewada reflects the commitment of security forces and the government to bring peace and stability to the areas that have long been plagued by extremist violence.
The upcoming meeting chaired by Shah is expected to discuss further measures to maintain the momentum against Naxal groups and ensure the continued development of the affected regions. It will also focus on enhancing coordination between state and central forces and taking strategic steps to root out extremism from the country once and for all.
Shah’s leadership in the fight against Naxal violence has brought increased focus on both security and developmental initiatives. His vision is not only to combat the extremists but also to ensure that development reaches these areas to address the root causes of extremism. Improving infrastructure, providing better opportunities for education, and creating jobs are all crucial components of this strategy. By addressing the underlying socio-economic issues, the government aims to remove the factors that drive people to join Naxalite groups in the first place.
The latest encounter is a significant boost for the government forces in this ongoing struggle. For years, Naxal violence has disrupted lives in many parts of central and eastern India, affecting both civilians and security personnel.
With increased cooperation between different state and central agencies, better intelligence sharing, and proactive operations like the one seen recently, the government hopes to bring an end to this prolonged conflict.
The operation in Narayanpur-Dantewada sends a strong message to extremist groups that the government will not back down in its mission to restore peace and order.
Shah’s forthcoming review meeting is expected to build on this momentum, ensuring that the successes achieved so far translate into long-term stability and progress for all regions affected by Naxal violence.
The determination of the security personnel, their preparedness, and the well-coordinated operations are seen as key factors in this recent success. The government’s focus remains on not just eliminating the Naxal threat but also ensuring the upliftment of the areas that have suffered under its influence. This dual approach is essential for long-term peace and development in these regions.
Amit Shah's upcoming review will also likely address the challenges faced by security forces in conducting operations in difficult terrains like Abhujmaad. Enhancing the capabilities of local police forces, improving logistical support, and ensuring the welfare of security personnel will be crucial topics during the discussion.
As the government steps up its efforts, it aims to create an environment where residents of these affected areas can lead peaceful lives, free from the threat of violence.
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