Indian police have killed 31 suspected Maoist rebels in what officials are calling the “biggest ever operation” targeting the decades-old insurgency across central India. The large-scale offensive was conducted over 21 days along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, culminating in what Home Minister Amit Shah described as a “historic breakthrough.”
A “Historic Breakthrough”
In a statement Wednesday, Shah said the operation unfolded in Karreguttalu Hill, a known Maoist stronghold, and marked a significant milestone in India’s long-standing fight against the insurgents.
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According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the operation also led to the destruction of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers, and the recovery of hundreds of explosives.
Decades-Long Insurgency
The Maoist insurgency, also referred to as the Naxalite movement, has gripped parts of central and northern India since 1967. Named after the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the movement originated, the rebels are inspired by Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong and have long aimed to overthrow the state to establish a classless society.
Despite decades of government crackdowns, the insurgency remains active in remote, forested regions, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
Government Declares Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the operation, calling it a sign of India’s continued efforts to curb Maoist violence.
“This success of the security forces shows that our campaign towards rooting out Naxalism is moving in the right direction. We are fully committed to establishing peace in the Naxal-affected areas and connecting them with the mainstream of development,” Modi said in a post on X.
Data from the Home Ministry shows a significant decline in rebel violence. Incidents dropped from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024, with civilian and security force casualties down by 85% during the same period.
A Region Still in Fear
While the drop in violence has been welcomed by authorities, critics caution that the government’s methods have sometimes been excessive. Villagers in Maoist-controlled areas often find themselves trapped between the two sides — threatened by insurgents and distrusted by the state.
Some residents of Chhattisgarh previously told CNN they were forced to pay taxes to Maoists under threat of abuse or torture, while risking being branded sympathizers by government forces if they complied.
Past Clashes and Ongoing Tensions
This latest offensive follows deadly encounters earlier this year. In February, 31 suspected Maoists and two police officials were killed in what police described as the most lethal clash of 2024. In 2021, 22 members of Indian security forces were killed and 31 injured in a four-hour firefight with insurgents.
Despite the recent successes, the complex realities on the ground suggest the struggle is far from over — especially for those caught in the crossfire between armed rebels and the state.
