Description

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Context

Left-Wing Extremism or Naxalism has remained a major internal security threat in India for decades especially in the Red Corridor states.

In April 2025 the Indian government launched Mission Sankalp a massive anti-Naxal operation in the Karregutta hills on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border aiming to dismantle the last major bastion of CPI (Maoist) in Bastar.

This operation is seen as a decisive step toward fulfilling the government’s goal of eliminating LWE by March 2026.

Details

Parameter	Details
Forces Involved	Approx. 24,000 security personnel including CRPF, DRG, and state police
Main Objective	Dismantle PLGA Battalion 1; neutralize top Maoist leadership
Strategic Goal	End Maoist dominance in Bastar and further weaken the LWE ecosystem

Geostrategic Importance of Karregutta Hills

Feature	Strategic Significance
Difficult Terrain	Steep slopes, rocky hills, and caves offer natural defenses to Maoist fighters
Interstate Border Zone	Security vacuum due to jurisdictional complexities between Telangana and Chhattisgarh
Water Sources	Freshwater springs provide sustainable resources for Maoist hideouts
No Civilian Settlements	Minimizes collateral damage and allows for aggressive operations
Historic Hideout	Long-time sanctuary for Maoist Central Committee and military units

Challenges Faced by Security Forces

Challenge	Explanation
Difficult Terrain	Makes troop movement and logistics extremely difficult
Extreme Heat	Summer heat causes dehydration and fatigue among personnel
IED Threats	Maoists have planted IEDs across hills, rivers and approach routes
Entrenched Defenses	Maoists occupy top ridges and caves allowing strategic ambush positioning
Psychological Warfare	Maoist propaganda and booby traps create constant stress

Significance of the Operation

Significance

Disruption of PLGA Battalion 1 the deadliest Maoist unit responsible for high-profile attacks like 2010 Tadmetla massacre (76 CRPF jawans killed).

Weakens the military backbone of Maoists in South Bastar.

Psychological victory in reclaiming territory long under Maoist control.

Operational Significance

Unique opportunity due to the absence of civilians.

Demonstrates enhanced coordination among central and state forces.

Political Significance

Aligns with Union Government’s target of eliminating LWE by March 2026.

Shows increased state capacity in deep-forest counter-insurgency.

Socio-Economic Implications

Once cleared opens the region to development, infrastructure and governance.

Aids in restoring rights of tribal communities to access and use their traditional lands.

Reactions

Stakeholder	Stance
Chhattisgarh Govt	Strong support; calls for action against those questioning the operation
Telangana Govt	Sees Naxalism as a social issue, not just law and order
Opposition	Urged Centre to halt the operation and initiate dialogue
Tribal Rights Groups	Urged President for ceasefire and peace talks

Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Mission Sankalp marks a decisive shift in India’s counter-insurgency strategy against Left-Wing Extremism. Critically examine the significance, challenges, and long-term implications of such large-scale operations in the Red Corridor. 250 Words