20 Naxalites killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh

At least 20 Maoists were killed in an encounter between security forces and Naxalites at the border of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on January 19. The police forces of both the states with support from the CRPF aimed at the Maoists, who were mostly hiding in the forests. High-ranking Maoist leader Jayram alias Chalapathi, who had a Rs 1 crore bounty, was one among them killed. The police recovered a lot of explosives, ammunition, and rifles after the fight.

Home Minister Amit Shah praised the success

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the success of the operation, calling it a significant blow to Naxalism. He took to X and said, “Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 20 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.”

How was the operation launched

The security forces had launched the operation based on information that pointed to the movements of Maoists. This operation has taken the total Maoists death toll of 2025 to 20 with search operations still going on in the area. Although the level of activity may have been ‘reduced’ in some of these areas, Maoists crossing the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border is still a reason for worry. However, the security forces’ attention is on their coordinated efforts fighting the insurgency.