Chhattisgarh witnessed a significant security breakthrough on Thursday as at least 10 Naxals, including top Maoist leader Modem Balakrishna, were killed in a forest encounter in Gariaband district. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges the state faces in its fight against left-wing extremism.
Fierce Gunfight Erupts in Mainpur Forest
The exchange of fire unfolded under the Mainpur police station limits when security forces launched a targeted anti-Naxal operation.
Forces Involved
- Special Task Force (STF)
- CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, CRPF)
- State Police Units
- Raipur Range Inspector General of Police, Amresh Mishra, confirmed that the operation was based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of senior Naxal leaders. He stated, “Personnel belonging to STF, CoBRA, and state police units are involved. Intermittent exchange of fire is still underway. As per the ground inputs, at least eight Naxals have been neutralized.”
The forested area of Mainpur, approximately 180 km from Raipur, has long been a hub of Naxal activity, making such operations both critical and risky.
Amit Shah’s Tweet on X Confirms Elimination of 10 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a major breakthrough in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal operations, revealing that CRPF’s Cobra commandos, Chhattisgarh Police, and DRG conducted a joint operation that eliminated 10 notorious Naxalites, including the high-profile CCM Modem Balakrishna alias Manoj, who carried a ₹1 crore bounty. Shah urged the remaining Naxalites to surrender promptly, asserting that the complete eradication of red terror is expected before March 31st, marking a significant step toward restoring peace and security in the region.
Who Was Modem Balakrishna?
Modem Balakrishna, also known by aliases Balanna, Ramachander, and Bhaskar, was a Central Committee Member (CCM) of the CPI (Maoist). His death marks a major blow to the Naxal network in the region.
Background
- Secretary of the Odisha State Committee (OSC)
- Active in the movement since the early 1980s
- Considered a senior strategist within the outlawed organization
Police sources noted that the operation specifically targeted him due to his significant role in planning and executing Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh and neighboring states.
IED Explosion Injures CRPF Personnel
While the Gariaband operation was underway, a separate incident occurred in Dantewada district, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Naxals.
Details of the Blast
- Location: Near Saatdhaar bridge, Indravati river
- Timing: Around 10:30 AM
- Victims: Inspector Diwan Singh Gurjar and Constable Alam Munesh, both from CRPF’s 195th battalion
- Cause: Pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxals
The CRPF team was conducting an area domination patrol when the device detonated. Both personnel were injured and immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities. Officials confirmed that security operations in the area have been intensified following the blast.
Analysis: What This Means for Naxal Operations
Security experts say the simultaneous elimination of key Naxal leaders and continued insurgent threats like IED attacks reflect both the strengths and challenges of anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh.
Key Takeaways
- Targeted intelligence operations are proving effective in neutralizing top cadres.
- Naxals continue to deploy improvised explosive devices, posing ongoing risks.
- The coordinated effort of STF, CoBRA, and state police demonstrates improved inter-agency collaboration.
- Despite leadership losses, residual networks could reorganize in remote forest areas.
Experts suggest that sustained intelligence-gathering and rapid-response operations are vital to keeping the Maoist threat contained while minimizing casualties among security forces.
Local Reactions
Residents of Gariaband expressed cautious optimism over the news of the encounter. Many see it as a sign of government resolve against insurgency, though concerns remain about potential retaliatory attacks in nearby villages.
Political analysts note that incidents like these often become a flashpoint for local debate, balancing security needs with human rights and development initiatives in affected regions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How significant was Modem Balakrishna in Naxal operations?
Were any security personnel killed in the Gariaband encounter?
What units are primarily involved in anti-Naxal operations?
Why are Naxals targeting Chhattisgarh?
What measures are being taken post-encounter?
Thursday’s operation in Gariaband serves as a major victory for Chhattisgarh’s security forces, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence and specialized units in countering insurgency. However, the lingering IED threat and Naxal resilience remind us that the state’s fight against left-wing extremism is far from over.