Chaibasa : Despite ongoing operations, around 80 Naxal militants, including one with a 3 crore rupee reward, remain active in the Chotanagra area of Jharkhand, hindering efforts to make the region Naxal-free. The Chaibasa district, part of Kolhan, had seen most of its Naxal presence wiped out, but a small group continues to operate from the Samta region, covering 400 square kilometers. Among these militants are high-profile leaders like Misir Besra (a Politburo member), Unal (a Central Committee member), and Aseem Mandal (also known as Akash).
To address the ongoing threat, Jharkhand’s Director General of Police (DGP), Anurag Gupta, has set a deadline to clear the area by March 2025. This goal is part of a broader operation intensified by the state government and supported by frequent visits from DGP Gupta and the Director General of the CRPF. The central government aims for a nationwide Naxal-free state by March 2026, with Chaiabasa as one of the key regions in focus.
The Naxals, armed with advanced weapons such as AK-47s and INSAS rifles, have continued to pose a serious challenge. They initially targeted security vehicles with large IEDs, but as the security forces started operating on foot, the militants adapted by planting smaller IEDs, making it difficult to track and defuse them. This strategic shift has raised the stakes for the security personnel, who now have to carefully clear the area of explosives before advancing.
In response, the state has deployed a massive force to counter the Naxal threat. This includes 30 companies of CRPF, five companies of the Cobra Battalion, 20 companies of STF, and district police personnel. Additionally, Jharkhand Armed Police and SAP have been stationed at key police posts to secure the areas recently cleared of militants.
As part of a multi-pronged approach, Jharkhand police are also using psychological warfare to weaken local support for the Naxals. Through community engagement, the police are encouraging residents, especially influential figures like Manki Munda, to cut ties with the militants and help them by sharing intelligence. Efforts are also being made to build trust among the local youth by organizing sports events, aiming to divert them from Naxal influence.
The situation remains volatile, with casualties mounting. So far, 24 villagers have been killed and 10 injured due to IED blasts and Naxal attacks. Security forces have lost five personnel and witnessed 34 injuries. In recent encounters, the police have successfully neutralized two Naxals, including a woman, on January 29, 2025, and five others, including a woman, in June 2024.
As the battle for Chaiabasa intensifies, the police remain resolute in their mission to eliminate the Naxal threat and restore peace to the region by the set deadline of March 2025.
