The recent encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region represents a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts against Naxal insurgency. Security forces eliminated 18 Naxals, including 11 women, in twin operations in Sukma and Bijapur districts. The most notable casualty was Kuhdami Jagdish, a high-ranking Maoist with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head, who was involved in several deadly Naxal-related incidents, including the notorious 2013 Jhiram Valley attack.

While the mission was a major success, it came with a cost—four security personnel, including three from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and one from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were injured. This was just one part of the larger anti-Naxal operation aiming to eradicate the insurgency by 2026.

The encounter took place just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, drawing attention to the ongoing security challenges in the region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, stressing that peace and development, not violence, are the true paths to change. The government is clearly determined to continue its fight against the Naxal movement in the region, with the goal of bringing long-term peace and stability to the area.