Chhattisgarh Mission Sankalp Updates | Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday said victims of Maoist violence from the Bastar region have personally requested him to continue the massive anti-Naxal operation underway along the Telangana border, as the state’s largest counter-insurgency drive — Mission Sankalp — entered its 11th day.
The statement came amidst growing demands from Telangana-based activists and political leaders to immediately halt the operation and initiate peace talks with Maoist groups.
Maoist Victims Voice Support for Operation ‘Mission Sankalp’
“Victims of Naxal violence, including those who have lost vision and limbs, from Sukma, Bijapur, and Kanker districts have reached here. Through an application, they have urged me to continue the anti-Naxal operation on Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border,” CM Sai told reporters.
According to him, the victims claimed several institutions and individuals, including those in Delhi, are attempting to block the ongoing operation. “These efforts to create a favourable atmosphere for Naxalism come from people who have never met the victims or understood their suffering,” Sai added.
The same group of victims also met with the Chhattisgarh Governor to deliver a similar request, underscoring their support for the continuation of the mission.
India’s Largest Anti-Naxal Operation in Progress
Launched on April 21, Mission Sankalp is being conducted in the Karregutta and Durgamgutta hills — a difficult terrain spanning roughly 800 sq km across the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border near Bijapur, Mulugu, and Bhadrari-Kothagudem districts. Over 24,000 personnel from state police units and central forces, including CRPF and its elite CoBRA unit, are actively involved.
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A viral video this week showing security forces waving the Indian flag atop Karregutta hills sparked speculation that the area had been reclaimed from Maoist control. However, a senior official monitoring the operation clarified: “Less than 50 per cent of the task has been done so far. The major task is yet to be done. We are hoping for the best outcome.”
He emphasized that the mission’s objective is not limited to neutralising Naxals or seizing arms, but also involves reclaiming territory for safe civilian habitation and weakening Maoist logistical and ideological hold over the region.
Targeting Maoist Strongholds and Top Leaders
The region under operation is believed to be a major sanctuary for Maoist battalions, particularly the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1 — the strongest armed wing of the CPI (Maoists). Intelligence reports indicate that over 500 Naxals, including senior leaders from the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee (TSC), and Central Committee, are holed up in the area.
Key figures suspected to be hiding in the zone include Chandrana, Ramachandra Reddy, Sujatha, Hidma, and Battalion Commander Barse Deva.
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Helicopters and drones have also been deployed to assist ground forces in navigating the dense forest and mountainous terrain.
Recent Successes and Political Opposition
On April 24, security forces killed three female Naxalites in an encounter on Karregutta hills and recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives.
However, political opposition is mounting. On April 27, BRS President and former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao urged the Centre to halt the operation, claiming it was harming tribals and youth. The same day, a collective of intellectuals and activists called on current Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy to push for a ceasefire and initiate peace negotiations with the Maoist leadership.
Despite these appeals, the Chhattisgarh government appears resolute in continuing the operation, backed by those most affected by the violence — the victims of Maoist insurgency themselves.
