India’s Biggest Anti-Naxal Operation Kills 31 Militants, Marks Major Victory for Security Forces

In a historic breakthrough in India’s battle against Maoist insurgency, 31 Naxalites were killed during a massive 21-day joint operation—hailed as the biggest-ever anti-Naxal campaign in the country. Conducted at Karreguttalu Hill (KGH), a notorious Maoist stronghold, the mission involved a coordinated effort by the CRPF, Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the forces, stating that an area once gripped by “red terror” now proudly flies the Indian tricolour. In a post on X, Shah emphasized the strategic importance of KGH, once the operational hub for major Naxal groups including PLGA Battalion 1, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, and the Telangana State Committee.

Notably, the intensive operation concluded without any fatal casualties among security personnel, though 18 troops sustained injuries, mainly from IEDs. All are reported to be in stable condition.

The operation, carried out between April 21 and May 11, was guided by detailed intelligence collected through a multi-agency effort. Forces engaged in 21 fierce encounters, resulting in the deaths of 31 uniformed Naxalites, including 16 women. Of those killed, 28 have been identified, with a combined bounty of ₹1.72 crore.

Security forces destroyed 214 Maoist hideouts, recovered 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, nearly 12,000 kg of food supplies, and dismantled four technical units responsible for producing weapons and explosives. The effort spanned 60 km of dense, hostile terrain, once home to 300–350 heavily armed Maoist cadres.

Despite temperatures soaring above 45°C, the morale of the troops remained unshaken. The use of real-time intelligence helped avert significant casualties and enabled forces to locate and dismantle dangerous Maoist infrastructure.

The Home Ministry highlighted the operation as a milestone under its ‘whole-of-government’ approach, which integrates security measures with development initiatives in Maoist-affected regions. New security camps and infrastructure are being established, supported by ongoing implementation of central schemes.

So far in 2025, 197 hardcore Naxalites have been neutralized. Maoist violence continues to decline—with affected districts down from 35 in 2014 to just 6 in 2025, and annual incidents dropping from 1,080 in 2014 to 374 in 2024. Security personnel deaths have also significantly reduced, reflecting a steady weakening of the insurgency.

This operation stands as a major milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to completely eliminate Maoist insurgency by March 31, 2026, as outlined by the central government.