Latest news with #OperationBlackForest
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
If govt can agree to truce with Pak, why not with Naxals: TPCC chief
Hyderabad: Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah launched 'Operation Kagar' (Operation Black Forest) to hand over the mineral wealth of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the corporates, under the pretext of eliminating Naxalites. He also criticised the Modi govt for not accepting the offer of talks made by the Maoists. "It is unfortunate that the central govt, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, agreed to a ceasefire and hold talks with Pakistan, which is sponsoring terrorism, but not agreeing to talks with our own citizens (Maoists). Congress' ideology is non-violence, and it will not support any kind of violence, including that done by the Maoists," he said, speaking at a round table meeting convened by Left parties, human rights, and civil society organisations at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram. All the secular and democratic forces, including Congress, should condemn the killing of Naxalites by the govt in 'Operation Kagar', even after the Maoists expressed willingness to hold talks, he said. Just because they (BJP) have power, "the govt violence" on the pretext of 'Operation Kagar' cannot be supported. Since coming to power, the BJP govt has been dismantling constitutional institutions, he added. "When someone is ready for talks, they should be held. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo The BJP plays politics in the name of religion and gods. There are instances when talks were held during the time of even Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Not accepting talks reveals their fascist ideology. They have been toppling democratically elected govts in various states. Only a few people are able to oppose them, and one of them is the Gandhi family," Mahesh Goud said. The TPCC chief narrated an ancecdote when Rahul Gandhi, Meenakshi Natarajan, chief minister A Revanth Reddy, and deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and he were going in a car to attend Bharat Summit in Hyderabad on April 26. "Meenakshi said security forces surrounded Karregutta as part of 'Operation Kagar', but expressed concern that there were civilians there too. Then Rahul Gandhi said that you can eliminate individuals and even a group of people but not their cause. Subsequently, CM Revanth said he would speak to representatives of all parties in this regard. The Gandhi family even pardoned the killers of Rajiv Gandhi, as the Congress firmly believes in non-violence," he said. Telangana Congress leadership would discuss and take a decision soon on the support sought by the Left parties and organisations against 'Operation Kagar'.
The Print
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
The likes of Basavaraju can be eliminated—but not an ideology. It's the next front
With a clear deadline set—31 March 2026—for the complete eradication of Left-Wing Extremism, the tide appears to have definitively turned. Once called India's 'biggest internal security challenge' by then PM Manmohan Singh in 2010, Naxalism is now visibly in retreat. In the aftermath of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxals were arrested and another 84 surrendered, signalling that Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is finally on its way out. The government's stance is now sharply defined: those who choose the path of violence will be met with force; those willing to lay down arms and join the mainstream will be given a chance. On 21 May, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on X that a 'major breakthrough' had been made in the decades-long fight against Naxalism. For the first time in over 30 years, a general secretary-ranked Naxal leader—Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju—was neutralised. Some 15 years ago, Naxals sloganeered about establishing a Red Corridor—stretching from Pashupati in Nepal, to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. In 2013, around 126 districts across different states were reporting LWE-related violence; by March 2025, this figure had fallen to just 18 districts, with only six classified as 'most affected'. Driven by strong political will, the government has shown it will not relent in the face of propaganda from human rights activists sympathetic to hardcore Maoists who believe in seizing power through the barrel of a gun and reject the democratic path. The government's multi-pronged strategy, sustained over more than a decade, has proven highly effective. Success on the ground has been achieved by relentlessly pursuing the SAMADHAN strategy—a comprehensive approach adopted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2017, combining security measures with developmental initiatives, and tracking progress through key performance indicators. Also Read: Basavaraju—tech grad to Maoist commander-in-chief who scripted deadliest massacres including Dantewada How Naxals once held ground During my deputation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 2010, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities of India's prolonged conflict with Left-Wing Extremists under Operation Green Hunt. The audacity of the problem can be gauged from one devastating ambush of a CRPF patrol party by Naxals in Dantewada district, in which 76 security personnel were killed in a single incident. The incident showed the extent of their strategic planning, coordination, and range of armaments. These types of attacks pushed the central forces into a defensive mindset. In Bijapur and Dantewada, the situation on the ground was so grim that road-opening parties (ROP) were deployed to minimise the risk of ambush or gunfire. The terrain was littered with mines, and the constant threat of IEDs and sudden-burst fire were regular occurrences during troop movements. As a result, the forces became highly defensive and remained confined to their camps instead of carrying out anti-Naxal operations. This not only lowered the morale of the troops but also shook the tribal population's trust in them. This also led to a complete drying up of intelligence regarding Naxal movements. Tribals were forced to choose between the Naxals and the security forces, as the state failed to offer them protection or viable alternatives. The Naxals were able to convince the tribals that they were fighting for their cause of jal, jungle, and zameen. The overall outcome was that in areas like Dantewada and Bijapur, the writ of the Naxals ran large. They even prevented government teams from carrying out developmental work, such as building roads, expanding telecommunication networks and electricity lines in the interior regions, in order to maintain their control over these so-called 'liberated zones.' Breaking the Naxal stronghold The overall success in dismantling Naxalism can be attributed to both developmental and security strategies. Targeted government initiatives on the developmental front have been instrumental in restoring the faith of the people in the state. Road connectivity and telecommunication networks have improved tremendously in the last decade, civic action programmes carried out by CAPFs have helped in winning the hearts and minds of the locals, and the Roshni scheme has enabled tribal youth to develop skills and gain employment. Apart from the developmental initiatives mentioned above, the government has acted in a highly planned, coordinated, and resolute manner on the security front as well. What has really made a big difference is: Strong political willpower shown by the central and state governments. For the first time, a Union Home Minister has set an example by leading from the front. Good coordination through a unified command structure between central and state forces. The District Reserve Group (DRG), which has proved to be a game changer. It mostly consists of surrendered Naxalites who have extensive knowledge of the area and terrain and have ties with the locals as well. This has led to improved intelligence gathering and the development of better strategies against the Naxals. Setting up of security camps in the interior areas and fortification of police stations. Technological intervention, especially surveillance through drones and satellite imagery, which has effectively mitigated the ambushes. With the operational tide turning in favour of security forces, the next phase of counterinsurgency must focus on sustainable peace through inclusion. Winning battles on the ground is only half the victory. Rehabilitating and reintegrating Naxals into mainstream society is crucial for lasting peace. They should be encouraged to surrender and adopt democratic means to voice their grievances. The ballot, not the bullet, must drive change. Ongoing battle for hearts and minds Though much has been achieved, and the Home Minister's deadline of ending Naxalism by 31 March 2026 is within sight, we cannot afford to be complacent. We have to continue the pressure on the hardcore arms-wielding Naxalites relentlessly. We also have to keep dismantling their financial network, as Naxals get funding from extortion and protection rackets. The problem of Naxalism is not merely a security one but is also related to development and governance. Even as security forces dismantle the operational infrastructure of the insurgents, the risk of regrouping will remain unless structural issues are addressed. The regions most affected by Left-Wing Extremism have historically suffered from a grave development deficit. To ensure that the Leftist ideology does not find fertile ground again, the next phase must focus more on people-oriented governance, land rights, health care, education, and economic upliftment. A dual-track approach is essential: sustained security operations must be matched by a robust development strategy that addresses the root causes of extremism. The last and most important element is an effective ideological counter-narrative. The fight is not just against armed insurgents but against an ideology. The likes of Basavaraju can be eliminated, but not an ideology. To ensure that there is no possibility of regrouping, we must remain on our toes—vigilant, adaptive, and proactive. We need to counter Naxalite propaganda effectively on a regular basis. The battle for hearts and minds has to be finally won not just by the gun, but by plugging the gaps in development and governance, by continually working in a sustained manner for the most marginalised sections. Ashok Kumar is a retired IPS officer who served as Uttarakhand DGP. He is currently Vice-Chancellor of the Sports University of Haryana in Rai, Sonipat. His X handle is @AshokKumar_IPS. Views are personal.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Naxalism on wane: Maoist incidents, civilian casualties drop sharply
Official data shows that the number of naxal-related incidents, comprising security operations as well as naxal-initiated violence, has been declining over the past 12 years with an aberration in 2022 Jayant Pankaj New Delhi Listen to This Article Last week, a top leader of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), Nambala Keshava Rao — popularly known as Basavaraju — was among the 27 killed in an encounter with the security forces in Chhattisgarh. The operation formed a key part of Operation Black Forest which began in April this year. Following this, there has been a surge in Maoist encounters across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Jharkhand. Calling it 'the most decisive strike' against insurgency in three decades, Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Naxalism would be eradicated by March 31, 2026.
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Goli will be answered with Gola:" HM Amit Shah on Op Sindoor amid chants of 'Bharata mata ki jai'
Nanded (Maharashtra) [India], May 26 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that Operation Sindoor has sent a message to the whole world that no one should trouble the Indian army, its people and its border, otherwise they will have to face the consequences. He said so while addressing a public gathering in Maharashtra's Nanded district, where he inaugurated the statue of former Mahrashtra Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik. Speaking about Vasantrao Naik, he said, 'Today, the OBC leader Vasant Naik's statue is inaugurated. I fold my hands at him.' Multiple BJP leaders attended the gathering, including Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Bawankule. Addressing the gathering on the larger issues of national concern, the Home Minister said, 'Operation Sindoor has sent a message to the whole world that no one should trouble the Indian army, its people and its border, otherwise they will have to face the consequences. PM Modi has cleared that if someone attacks us, then 'Goli' will be answered with 'Gola',' Shah said. While also taking a jibe at Congress, Shah added that the Narendra Modi-led government has replied with multiple strikes on Pakistan, with the most recent being Operation Sindoor. 'Pakistan has forgotten that the Congress, which was there 10-15 years ago has been changed. For 11 years there is Bharatiya Janata Party's Narendra Modi government. They attacked on Uri, we retaliated with surgical strike. They attacked on Pulwama, we retaliated with air strike. And then they attacked in Pahalgam, we replied with Operation Sindoor and destroyed their terror hotspots,' Shah said. Addressing the public gathering, he told the people to raise their fists and shout: 'Raise your hands with me, on the successful Operation Sindoor, make fists and shout out 'Bharata Mata ki jai', 'Jai Jai Jai Shivaji'.' Speaking about the all-party delegation that is visiting multiple countries across the world to put forward India's position against terrorism, Shah mentioned that the diplomatic effort will 'unmask Pakistan's face of terrorism.' 'After Operation Sindoor, PM Modi decided that it is the nation's matter. So, all-party delegation of MPs will visit different countries and unmask Pakistan's face of terrorism. Then, all-party delegations were formed,' he said. While also hitting out at Shiv Sena (UBT), he mentioned that while its leaders criticised the delegation, the founder of the party, Balasaheb Thackeray would have praised the delegation. He said, 'Then, all-party delegations were formed. Later, a top leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) commented on the delegation and said that 'Yeh kiski baraat jaa rahi hai?' Shiv Sena (UBT) used to be the party of Balasaheb Thackeray. If Balasaheb had been here, he would have appreciated PM Modi for Operation Sindoor.' The Union Home Minister also highlighted the anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, termed 'Operation Black Forest,' reiterating the resolve to end the red menace by March 31, 2026. 'Along with Operation Sindoor, one more operation was underway, Operation Black Forest. Under this operation in Chhattisgarh, our CRPF, Chhattisgarh Police and BSF, destroyed the hubs of naxals at the height of 5,000 ft and 31 naxals were killed. So far 36 more naxals have been killed. Many surrendered and were arrested. We will put an end to naxalism in this nation by 31st March, 2026,' Shah added. (ANI)
The Print
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Shah sharpens pitch for civic polls in Maharashtra—Balasaheb would've hugged Modi for Op Sindoor
Amit Shah on Maharashtra tour Shah is on a two-day tour of Maharashtra. On the first day, he was in Nagpur in the morning and Nanded in the afternoon. He performed the 'bhoomipujan' for the newly built 'Swasti Niwas' at the National Cancer Institute and Forensic Science University in Nagpur, and former CM Vasantrao Naik's statue in Nanded, where he also addressed the rally. Addressing BJP workers and supporters, he said, 'This is New India and, under the leadership of Modi, we have given this message to the world—India can't be messed with.' 'Pakistan probably forgot that the Congress government was in place a decade ago, nearly 11 years ago, and now, it is the Modi government. We do not take anything lying down. They attacked us in Uri; we did air strikes. They attacked us in Pulwama; we showed them what we could do in Balakot. Now, post-Pahalgam, we did Operation Sindoor,' he said. Shah also lauded the armed forces for Operation Black Forest, which allegedly eliminated over 30 Naxals. 'I assure you today that by 31 March 2026, we will completely eliminate Naxalism from this country,' he said. Deshpande said Nanded had been a Congress bastion for a long time. Ahead of the local body polls, the Mahayuti remains on weaker grounds in Nanded, even though it did win assembly constituencies last year in Nanded. 'Nanded had been a Nizam state close to Hyderabad (the Nizam's capital). So, it has a sizeable Muslim population. But that could be one of the reasons why polarisation would work in Nanded, and the talks of Operation Sindoor or such operations will also work. Besides, the BJP is on weaker grounds in Nanded, but with Ashok Chavan on its side, it wants to add more seats from this belt,' Deshpande said. Speaking at the rally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, like Amit Shah, questioned the Opposition, especially Rahul Gandhi. 'At a time when everyone is strongly behind our forces, Congress is speaking the language of Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is questioning what happened to our aircraft—what Pakistan would ask. But it (Pakistan) knows it cannot ask because we have shown Pakistan its place. However, Congress is becoming like that country. Earlier, we had heard of PoK. Now, it is Congress-occupied Pakistan,' Fadnavis said. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Chhagan Bhujbal is a Maharashtra minister, again. The 3 reasons behind his comeback
