Encounter between security forces and Maoists in Chhattisgarh, 16 militant piles

At least 16 Maoists were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists on Saturday in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. According to the police, this number may increase as the encounter was still going on. In the last few months, security forces have intensified the campaign against the Maoists, resulting in hundreds of militants killed.

Sukma district Superintendent of Police P. Sundararaj told news agency AFP, “So far we have found the bodies of 16 Maoists, and the number is likely to increase.” Security forces raided Maoists’ bases and recovered huge amounts of rocket launcher, grenade launcher, assault rifles and other weapons.

The shrinkage effect of Maoist movement

The Maoist rebellion in India has been going on for decades, in which more than 10,000 people have lost their lives so far. Naxalites call it a fight for the poor standing on the margins of the society and claim to fight for the rights, land and resources of the local people. The influence of the Maoists was seen most in the “red corridor”, which extended to the eastern and southern parts of the country.

In the early 2000s, the strength of the Maoists increased rapidly and at that time their number was considered between 15,000 and 20,000. However, due to government action and increasing presence of security forces, now their number in Chhattisgarh has come down to 3,000-4,000.

Strict action and change of government

Over the years, the Government of India has launched a comprehensive campaign to solve this problem. Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline to completely eliminate the Maoist problem by 31 March 2026. Under this strategy, tens of thousands of security forces have been deployed in the affected areas, the number of police stations has been increased, and at the same time development works have also been given priority.

The presence of roads, electricity, health centers and security forces has helped local people get out of the influence of Maoists. Last year, according to government data, 287 militants were killed in campaigns against the Maoists, most of which were killed in Chhattisgarh.

Naxalite effect is shrinking

Local journalist Naresh Mishra, who has been covering the Naxal movement for years, said that the influence of Maoists has decreased rapidly due to government campaigns. “Now call it fear or growing confidence in the government, but locals are coming out of the influence of Maoists. The police is also supporting them,” he said.

In the last two and a half years, more than 40 security camps have been set up in Chhattisgarh, which has increased the spirit of security among the local people and weakened the grip of the Maoists.

According to Mishra, at present, Maoists have the highest influence in Sukma, Narayanpur and Bijapur, while Kanker, Dantewada, Gariaband and Rajnandgaon have weakened their grip. At the same time, Kondagaon and Bastar have been completely free from Naxalite influence.

Security forces also damage in Maoist attacks

However, security forces have also suffered losses in the ongoing campaigns against Maoists. Nine security personnel were martyred in an IED attack in January 2025. Earlier in 2010, 76 paramilitary forces died in an ambush in the forests of Chhattisgarh, which was the biggest loss in any one of the Maoists till now.

Due to increasing campaigns and strengthening of security system by the government, there is a decline in Maoist activities. Action against the Maoists has been intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power for the third time. So far this year, more than 110 Maoists have been killed. In March 2025, 30 Maoists were killed in two different encounters, while 32 Maoists were killed in a day in February.

With the strictness of the government and the increasing presence of security forces, it is clear that the Maoist movement will be weakened in the coming years.