In a significant offensive against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), security forces recovered the bodies of six Maoists and seized a large cache of weapons during a high-intensity operation in the dense forests of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Narayanpur district. The operation, which commenced on Friday afternoon (July 18), is still ongoing, with intermittent gunfire reported between the forces and Maoist cadres.
Based on precise intelligence inputs, joint teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) launched a coordinated search mission in the rugged and heavily forested terrain of Abujhmad, a known Maoist stronghold.
The encounter site yielded AK-47s, SLR rifles, and other firearms, along with explosive materials and essential supplies, suggesting the presence of a well-equipped Maoist unit. While the identities of the deceased insurgents are yet to be confirmed, officials have stated that they were active members of Maoist groups.
Due to the difficult terrain and the potential presence of booby traps and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), security personnel are proceeding with extreme caution. Authorities have withheld operational details to protect those still on the ground but assured that a comprehensive briefing will be provided upon the conclusion of the mission.
This encounter marks a notable success in the broader campaign to dismantle Maoist influence in the Bastar region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a March 31, 2026, deadline for eradicating the Maoist insurgency entirely.
Recent figures indicate that Maoist groups have admitted to losing 357 fighters in encounters over the past year, including 136 women, highlighting the growing attrition in their ranks. Since December 2023, over 1,400 Maoists have surrendered, reflecting the impact of Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s dual strategy of targeted military action and rehabilitation programs.
The latest offensive underscores the government&rsquo;s intensified push to restore lasting peace in one of India&rsquo;s most volatile insurgency-hit areas. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

6 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Anti-LWE Operation

Security forces recover bodies, weapons in Abujhmad offensive against Maoist insurgents

6 Maoists Killed, Chhattisgarh Anti LWE Operation

Security forces recover bodies, weapons in Abujhmad offensive against Maoist insurgents

July 18, 2025 | 20:17 IST