Kawardha (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 21: In a significant blow to Left Wing Extremism, 26 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Abujhmad forest area of Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed on Wednesday. The operation marks one of the largest recent successes in the state’s ongoing anti-Naxal campaign.
Deputy CM Sharma stated:
“More than 26 Naxalites have been killed by the security forces. One Jawan was injured but is out of danger. Unfortunately, one of our associates lost his life during the operation.”
Deputy CM Arun Sao echoed the commitment of the Chhattisgarh government to eliminate Naxalism from the state:
“A program is underway to make Bastar Naxal-free. Our security forces are operating with resolve, and by March 2026, we are determined to achieve a Naxal-free Bastar.”
Political and Security Leadership Commends Forces
Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Raman Singh lauded the success of the forces and extended congratulations to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and State Home Minister Vijay Sharma:
“In harsh temperatures of 40–42°C, our forces have conducted this critical operation. Bastar wants peace and development, and this operation has brought us a step closer.”
Operation Black Forest: Setting the Stage
This operation follows the recently concluded ‘Operation Black Forest’ (April 21–May 11), jointly executed by CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police near the Karreguttalu Hill on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The 21-day offensive resulted in:
- 31 Naxals neutralised (carrying a total bounty of ₹1.72 crore)
- 214 hideouts and bunkers destroyed
- 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 Codex bundles, and a large cache of explosives recovered
- 12,000 kg of food supplies seized
Chhattisgarh’s Renewed Push Against Extremism
The state is intensifying its strategy to dismantle Naxal infrastructure with sustained offensives, surveillance, and development outreach in the Bastar region. The latest encounter and Operation Black Forest underscore the government’s determination to uproot the insurgency and bring long-term peace to the affected districts.