(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)

According to a senior police official, at least 16 Naxalites were killed in a confrontation with security forces on Monday during a joint operation conducted by the police of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. This incident follows the killing of two female Naxalites by security forces in Chhattisgarh a day earlier. The operation, assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), took place in the border areas of Nuapada district in Odisha and Gariaband district in Chhattisgarh, based on intelligence about Naxalites operating in the dense forests. A top Naxalite commander, Jayram alias Chalapathi, with a bounty of Rs 1 crore, was also among the casualties. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered after the encounter. The Odisha Police stated that the number of Naxalite casualties might increase as the search operation continues in the area. Union Home Minister Amit Shah commented that this incident is a significant setback to the Naxalite movement, indicating that India is making progress in eliminating Naxalism.

The government is making progress in eliminating the Naxalite threat from India. The Home Minister praised the efforts of the CRPF, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh police in this regard. He expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of the security forces, Naxalism is in its final stages and will be completely eradicated from the country by 2026. The Chhattisgarh government has reported a significant increase in Naxalite casualties in 2024 compared to the previous five years, and further joint operations have resulted in the elimination of 15 Naxalites so far in 2025.