Saturday, January 3, 2026, dawned with gunfire echoing through the dense forests of Bastar. In a coordinated and sustained anti-insurgency push, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district engaged in a fierce Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter that left over ten Naxalites dead. In a separate but simultaneous operation in neighboring Bijapur, two more Maoists were neutralized .
These back-to-back successes aren’t just isolated victories—they represent a significant escalation in the state’s long-standing campaign to eradicate left-wing extremism from its soil, once the heartland of India’s “Red Corridor.”
Table of Contents
- The Sukma and Bijapur Encounters: What We Know So Far
- Inside the Anti-Insurgency Operations: Tactics and Intelligence
- Why Sukma Remains a Maoist Stronghold—and Why That’s Changing
- The Decline of the Red Corridor: A Timeline of Progress
- Challenges Ahead for Security Forces and Local Communities
- Conclusion: A Decisive Moment in the Decades-Long Conflict
- Sources
The Sukma and Bijapur Encounters: What We Know So Far
The main Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter unfolded in the dense jungles of Sukma, a district that has witnessed some of the deadliest attacks on security personnel in the past decade—including the 2017 ambush that killed 25 CRPF jawans .
Acting on precise intelligence, a joint team of CRPF’s elite CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched an operation in the early hours. The Maoists, caught off guard, retaliated fiercely, leading to a prolonged firefight. As of Saturday evening, the operation was still ongoing, with search-and-cordon procedures in place to locate any fleeing insurgents or recover weapons .
Just hours later, another team in Bijapur district—another critical Naxal-affected zone—engaged a smaller Maoist unit, resulting in two confirmed kills. The simultaneous nature of these strikes suggests a high level of coordination and intelligence sharing among central and state forces.
Inside the Anti-Insurgency Operations: Tactics and Intelligence
Gone are the days of large-scale, reactive patrols. Today’s anti-Naxal operations are surgical, intelligence-driven, and tech-enabled. Key elements include:
- Human Intelligence (HUMINT): Local informants and surrendered Maoists provide real-time ground intel.
- Aerial Surveillance: Drones and helicopters monitor movement in inaccessible terrain.
- Specialized Units: Forces like CoBRA and DRG are trained in guerrilla warfare and jungle survival.
- Community Policing: Initiatives like ‘Bastar Dialogue’ have helped rebuild trust with tribal communities, cutting off Maoist support networks .
This multi-pronged strategy has steadily degraded Maoist capabilities. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Maoist-affected districts in India have dropped from 96 in 2010 to just 25 in 2025 .
Why Sukma Remains a Maoist Stronghold—and Why That’s Changing
Sukma’s geography—dense forests, hilly terrain, and proximity to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana borders—has historically made it a perfect hideout for Maoists. The area is also rich in minerals, which the insurgents have exploited through extortion and illegal mining.
However, the state’s sustained development push is altering the landscape. Roads, schools, mobile connectivity, and healthcare centers are slowly reaching remote hamlets. As livelihoods improve, local support for the Maoists wanes—a critical shift that security experts say is more decisive than any gun battle .
For more on this transformation, see our in-depth report on [INTERNAL_LINK:development-vs-insurgency-chhattisgarh].
The Decline of the Red Corridor: A Timeline of Progress
The so-called “Red Corridor” once spanned from West Bengal to Andhra Pradesh. But over the last 15 years, a combination of military pressure and development has shrunk it dramatically:
- 2010: Peak of Maoist influence—96 districts affected, major attacks on security forces.
- 2015: Launch of SAMADHAN doctrine (Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, etc.) by the Centre.
- 2020: Number of affected districts falls below 50.
- 2025: Only 25 districts remain on the list, mostly in Bastar division.
- 2026: Operations like the recent Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter signal the final phase of clearance.
For authoritative data on internal security trends, the Ministry of Home Affairs publishes annual reports on Left Wing Extremism.
Challenges Ahead for Security Forces and Local Communities
Despite the progress, the fight isn’t over. Remaining Maoist cadres are more desperate and dangerous. They’ve shifted tactics—targeting informants, laying IEDs on roads, and attempting to radicalize youth through social media.
Moreover, ensuring that development gains are sustainable and inclusive remains crucial. Without genuine economic opportunity and political representation for tribal communities, the vacuum could be refilled.
Conclusion: A Decisive Moment in the Decades-Long Conflict
The Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter in Sukma and Bijapur is more than just a body count. It’s a symbol of how far India has come in its battle against left-wing extremism. The Red Corridor is no longer a contiguous territory of fear—it’s a collection of shrinking pockets under constant pressure.
While caution is warranted, the momentum is undeniably with the state. If the current blend of smart security operations and grassroots development continues, the dream of a Naxal-free Bastar may finally be within reach.
Sources
- Times of India: Chhattisgarh encounter: Over 10 Maoists killed in Sukma, 2 in Bijapur
- Web search results on anti-Naxal strategies in Chhattisgarh [[1], [2], [3], [5]].
- Ministry of Home Affairs data on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.