Op Black Forest: 21-days operation to break backbone of Naxalism

ANI May 15, 2025 423 views

Security forces conducted their largest anti-Naxal operation yet near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, lasting 21 days. The joint CRPF-police team destroyed 214 hideouts and recovered massive arms caches while cutting off rebel supply lines. Commandants revealed the Ghalgam base was pivotal in coordinating this grid-based offensive against PLGA-1 and Telangana State Committee cadres. With Amit Shah's 2026 deadline looming, forces are combining military ops with community outreach to isolate Maoists.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline, 26th March 2026, to eliminate Naxalism" - CRPF Commandant Anand
Op Black Forest: 21-days operation to break backbone of Naxalism
By Rajnish Singh, Bijapur, May 15: To achieve the goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 26, 2026, the security forces have been conducting the biggest ever operation, 'Operation Black Forest' to break the backbone Naxals near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

Key Points

1

31 Naxals with ₹1.72cr bounty neutralized in 21-day op

2

Ghalgam FOB played strategic role in disrupting Naxal networks

3

450 IEDs & 12,000kg food supplies seized

4

Security forces cut local-Naxal ties via welfare schemes

The 21-day long operation neutralised carried out by the joint forces of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police between April 21 to May 11 neutralised 31 Naxals carrying a bounty of Rs 1.72 crore.

Ghalgam FOB (Forward Operating Base), established in 2022 near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH), played a key role in success of the Operation Black Forest providing a strategic advantage to disript Naxal's operation.

Officers involved in the operation told ANI that the Ghalgam FOB was the strategic location. Ground camp was made here. and information as well as communication was sent from here.

Commandant of 199 Battalion CRPF, Anand, noted security forces had pushed Naxals out of their "safe haven" forcing them to shift to the mountain area. He added that the Operation Black Forest further ensured that this area doesn't become another "safe haven" for them

Commandant of 199 Battalion CRPF said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline, 26th March 2026, to eliminate Naxalism. In view of that, campaigns are being held back to back here...as a result, they (Naxalites) have left the other areas that were considered to be a safe haven for them and shifted to this mountain area now this operation was carried out here because they don't make this area another safe haven for them."

"The Joint forces worked together in this large area and carried out this successful operation for 21 days," he told ANI.

Kumar Manish, Commandant 196 Battalion CRPF, told ANI, that the 21 days operation was necessary to wipe out the Maoist cadre of South Bastar and other Naxalites.

"In past few months, Maoist cadre of South Bastar have begun to hide here along with them Naxalites of PLGA-1, TSC (Telangana State Committee) and CRC also took shelter here and held their operations. This is why it was necessary to do this 21-days operation here," Kumar Manish said.

He also emphasised on the steps taken by security forces to connect with the locals and helping the avail the benefits of government schemes. He added that by gaining locals trust, security forces broke the connections of Naxals with people.

"We have also connected the local people with the camps, helping them to avail the benefits of government schemes and by gaining their trust we have also advanced in breaking their connection with the Naxals," he said.

The security forces through the operation tried to fill security scenario in grid form and it separated the key Naxal cadre those who managed to save their lives and fled.

A total of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed in the operation and a total of 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of Codex, detonators and a huge amount of explosive material have been recovered during the searches.

In addition, nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies have also been recovered.

A total of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed in the operation and a total of 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of Codex, detonators and a huge amount of explosive material have been recovered during the searches.

In addition, nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies have also been recovered.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the article:
P
Prakash M.
This is a major victory for our security forces! 👏 Naxalism has destroyed development in tribal areas for decades. The recovery of so many weapons and explosives shows how dangerous these groups were. Hope the government continues welfare schemes to prevent youth from joining them.
S
Sunita K.
While I appreciate the operation's success, we must ensure local tribals don't face harassment during such campaigns. Many are caught between Naxals and security forces. The focus on connecting locals with govt schemes is good, but implementation matters more than announcements.
R
Rajesh T.
Salute to our brave CRPF jawans! 21 days in those dangerous forests shows their dedication. The strategic FOB planning seems to have worked well. Hope this operation brings peace to Bastar region and development can finally reach there.
A
Anjali P.
Recovering 12,000 kg food supplies shows how Naxals were exploiting local resources. The government must now fill this vacuum with proper ration shops and employment. Otherwise, the problem might resurface after some time.
V
Vikram S.
Good results but March 2026 deadline seems unrealistic. Naxalism has deep roots in these areas. Security ops alone won't work - need education, jobs and addressing tribal grievances. Still, this operation has definitely weakened their structure.
M
Meena R.
As someone from Chhattisgarh, I've seen how Naxals stop development projects. Hope now schools and hospitals can be built without threats. But authorities must be careful - some innocent villagers might get labeled as sympathizers in the enthusiasm. Balance is important.

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Operation Black Forest CRPF Naxal operation Chhattisgarh Telangana border Amit Shah Maoist crackdown