Biggest Anti-Naxal Operation Underway At Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border, 7,000 Security Personnel Involved
The CRPF DG missed a high-level security meeting post the Pahalgam attack, opting instead asked to stay back in Chhattisgarh to oversee the operation personally.
As the nation reels in anger over the Pahalgam terror attack, security forces are simultaneously conducting the largest anti-Naxal operation to date in the dense Karregutta hills forest, straddling the sensitive Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
The operation comprises about 7,000 personnel of the CRPF, CoBRA, DRG, and the police forces of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Supported by helicopters, drones, medical staff, and high-end warfare technology, the operation’s goal is to strike a devastating blow at Naxalism by eliminating the heart of Naxal command—especially leaders of the dreaded PLGA Battalion No. 1, believed to be camped in the area.
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The magnitude of this operation speaks to its significance as CRPF Director General GP Singh missed a high-level security meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the Pahalgam attack, opting instead asked to stay back in Chhattisgarh to oversee the operation personally. Sources have confirmed that he was told to stay and coordinate what is being termed the biggest counter-Naxal operation in years, now in its fourth day.
Helicopter-borne medium machine guns (MMGs) are said to be offering air cover, and approximately 500 Naxals, including top leaders and notorious commander Hidma, are said to be cornered. Five Naxals have been killed so far, as per security officials.
The Chhattisgarh Police has described the operation as a “decisive operation" against Maoist insurgents.
Preliminary identification indicates the Naxals who have been killed are of PLGA Battalion No. 1. According to blood trails and marks found at the location, there are high chances of more Maoists being injured or killed. “Huge quantities of weapons, explosives, and Maoist literature have been seized," said police officials.
Apart from CRPF DG, a number of senior-most officers are directly involved in day-to-day strategic briefings and ground coordination.
Once this operation is over, the other big task would be to hold on to the region. Top CRPF officers feel that a successful operation could mean the virtual elimination of Naxalism in India. The attention would then turn towards breaking up the smaller Naxal splinter groups and their support network.
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