Union Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the killing of Rs 1 crore rewardee Patiram Manjhi and 15 other Naxals in West Singhbhum as a landmark achievement in the battle against Maoist insurgency. The encounter in Saranda forests represents a turning point, accelerating the drive to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.
Detailed accounts from CRPF and Jharkhand Police reveal a fierce firefight that claimed key operatives, including women cadres Purnima, Surajmuni, and Jonga. The targeted squad, under Manjhi’s leadership, had terrorized Kolhan for years, facing probes by NIA and state agencies with hefty bounties.
Posting on X, Shah stated: ‘CRPF and Jharkhand Police’s joint operation delivers major success. We are resolute in ending Naxalism that bred fear for decades.’ He implored remaining militants to embrace development over destruction.
This success builds on intensified offensives that have shrunk Naxal zones dramatically. Forces seized arms, thwarting potential attacks. Manjhi’s Rs 2.2 crore total bounty across states underscores his stature in the outlawed CPI(Maoist).
Beyond combat, the strategy integrates fortifying remote areas with roads, electricity, and education—eroding rebel recruitment. Surrenders have surged due to amnesty offers and rehabilitation. Analysts predict this could trigger a domino effect, hastening the demise of India’s longest-running internal conflict.