Abujhmad: Security forces achieve historic victory, three top Naxalites killed
Central Chronicle News
Abujhmad: Abujhmad, a remote and dense forest area in Chhattisgarh, has long been a stronghold for Naxalites. However, recent efforts by security forces under the “Maad Bachao” campaign, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, have begun to change the situation.
Seven-day struggle and fall of Naxalites
In a seven-day operation started on September 23, 2024, security forces successfully eliminated three top Naxalite leaders during an encounter in the Paradi forests. The most prominent among them was Rupesh of DKSZC, who had a reward of ₹25 lakh. Alongside him, DVCM Jagdish and female Naxalite Sarita, alias Basanti, who had rewards of ₹16 lakh and ₹8 lakh respectively, were also killed.
The operation involved teams from the DRG, STF, and BSF, lasting 124 hours and covering areas in Narayanpur, Kondagaon, and Dantewada. A significant cache of weapons, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and BGL launchers, was recovered after the encounter.
Rupesh had a criminal record of over 66 cases, including involvement in the deadly 2009 Madanwada attack, in which 29 soldiers were martyred. Jagdish, the DVCM, had more than 43 cases registered against him, and Sarita was a key member of Naxalite Company No. 10.
Chief Minister’s Leadership: Constant Review and Focus on Development
Chief Minister Sai has been actively overseeing these operations to ensure their effectiveness, aiming to establish peace and security in Naxal-affected regions. He has also prioritized development in these areas, focusing on essential services like roads, healthcare, education, and electricity.
Monitoring by the Home Minister
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring these operations in Chhattisgarh and receiving reports on the development work being carried out in these areas directly from the Chief Minister.
He stated that Naxalites now have two choices: surrender or face the consequences. His statement is expected to inspire the Naxalites to return to the mainstream and adopt the path of peace, facilitating positive changes in development and security in Naxal-affected areas.
Villagers find hope amidst Naxalite defeats.
The recent encounter in Abujhmad has instilled new hope among villagers who have long lived under the threat of Naxalite violence. With the bold actions of the security forces, residents are beginning to imagine a future free from fear and filled with development opportunities. This operation has shown that the Naxalites can no longer hold their ground in the region.
The Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., highlighted the significant progress made this year. A total of 157 Naxalite bodies have been recovered, while 663 individuals have been arrested and 556 have surrendered. He emphasized that the Naxalite presence in Abujhmad has been severely weakened, and the region is on track to become completely free of Naxalite influence very soon.
