A day after Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren declared that the state’s battle against Maoist insurgents has entered its final phase, Director General of Police Anurag Gupta reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating the remaining insurgents.
He emphasised that intensified operations and enhanced cooperation among security forces would be key to neutralising the last pockets of resistance.
During a comprehensive review meeting held in Chaibasa on Monday, the DGP provided an update on the ongoing anti-Naxal efforts. He noted that 95 percent of the Maoist threat in Jharkhand had already been neutralized, with the remaining insurgents mostly confined to the West Singhbhum district.
The meeting focused on evaluating ground realities, assessing tactical strategies, and discussing the region’s challenging terrain. In addition to operational matters, the meeting also addressed troop morale, infrastructure improvements, and the implementation of more effective strategies to ensure success in the fight.
Chaibasa Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar gave a detailed report on the progress of operations, sharing insights into the region’s geography and the challenges faced by security forces. The DGP motivated the personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police, urging them to continue their operations with greater precision and resolve.
The review session underscored Jharkhand's unwavering determination to rid the state of Maoist influence and restore peace and development to the affected areas. While significant progress has been made, a number of Maoist leaders remain entrenched in the Saranda forests of Chaibasa.
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These leaders have used the dense forest to their advantage, laying thousands of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to block the entry of security forces. These hidden explosives have led to frequent blasts during combing operations, making the task of neutralizing the insurgents even more dangerous.
Since the launch of the anti-Naxal campaign in November 2022, six security officers have lost their lives, and 20 others have sustained serious injuries.
Additionally, approximately 22 civilians have been killed, and around a dozen more have been critically injured in IED explosions triggered by the Maoists in the Chaibasa forests.
Despite the extensive use of IEDs, security forces have continued to push forward into the dense forests with unwavering commitment, establishing several temporary camps deep within Maoist strongholds.
The joint operation in the Kolhan forest region began in November 2022, following intelligence reports that high-ranking Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, were hiding in the area.
This strategically critical operation has been a crucial part of the state’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the Maoist network and restore stability to the region.
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