With the government’s March 2026 target to end Naxalism drawing near, security apparatus across central India is on high alert. Nearly 300 Naxal operatives, topped by four high-value central committee members of the proscribed CPI (Maoist), face imminent threat from coordinated assaults.
The quartet—Misir Besra aka Bhaskar, Devji aka Kumbha Dada/Chetan, Ramanna aka Ganapati/Laxman Rao, and Malla Raja Reddy aka Sagar—represents the rebellion’s strategic brain trust. Fresh intel triggered a Tuesday operation along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana line, zeroing in on Devji and aide Kesa Sodhi.
Excluding Reddy, reportedly sheltered in Odisha, the rest prowl these volatile terrains. Forces are clear: capitulate or be taken out in the barrage of intensified sweeps designed to meet the eradication goal.
Progress metrics are encouraging. The Home Ministry’s October 2025 update slashed the count of severely Naxal-hit districts to three in Chhattisgarh: Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur. LWE zones overall dropped from 18 to 11, reflecting effective multi-pronged tactics.
The Narendra Modi administration’s pledge stands firm—total elimination by March 31, 2026. This encompasses advanced surveillance, community outreach, and precision strikes that have decimated ranks and logistics.
Historical context reveals a shrinking red footprint: from vast swathes in the 2000s to confined pockets today. Surrenders are surging as morale plummets. Cornering these apex leaders could seal the campaign’s success, ushering peace to long-suffering tribal belts.