In a significant stride towards combating Maoist insurgency, Chhattisgarh’s security forces executed Operation Surya Shakti. This pivotal operation, conducted from January 12 to 16, targeted Maoist strongholds in the southern region of the state, particularly in the dense forests of Abujhmad.
Key Highlights of Operation Surya Shakti:
Objective: To penetrate the ‘administrative and security vacuum area’ in Abujhmad, wresting control from the Maoists.
Forces Involved: The operation was a collaborative effort involving central paramilitary forces and state police formations, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Bastar Fighters.
Strategic Focus: The operation aimed to confront Maoists in Abujhmad, a critical and one of the last Maoist bastions in Chhattisgarh.
Major Developments:
Encounters: Two notable encounters occurred during the operation. On January 14, a confrontation took place at Tekameta Hill in Narayanpur. Another ensued on January 16 near Takil Kot village in Kanker district.
Outcome: The operation resulted in the killing of two Maoists, the arrest of 65 others, and the discovery of a Maoist arms factory.
Significant Seizures:
Security forces uncovered a well-equipped Maoist weapons factory in Kanker’s jungles. Seized items included a grenade launcher, ammunition, firearms, INSAS magazines, a telescope, and other equipment, indicating the Maoists’ preparedness and capabilities.
Impact of Operation Surya Shakti:
The operation represents a substantial blow to the Maoist infrastructure in the region. The seizures, particularly of the arms factory, significantly diminish the Maoists’ combat capabilities.
Sunder Raj P., Bastar’s inspector general of police, noted the significance of the operation, emphasizing its impact on limiting Maoist activities in an area traditionally considered out of reach for security forces.
Broader Context:
Operation Surya Shakti is part of a larger strategy by security forces to open new fronts against Maoist insurgents. It signals an assertive approach in penetrating areas previously dominated by Maoists, indicating a shift in tactics and a willingness to engage in Maoist strongholds directly.
This operation marks a critical phase in the ongoing efforts to tackle Maoist insurgency, suggesting a more aggressive and strategic posture by security forces in Chhattisgarh.
SRIRAM’s
