JAGDALPUR: The year 2025 has been recorded as a historic milestone for the Bastar region, marking a decisive shift in the decades-long battle against left-wing extremism. According to a detailed report released by the Bastar Police, the year witnessed record-breaking successes due to the valor, strategic planning, and operational supremacy of the security forces, pushing Naxal violence toward its end.
Unprecedented Crackdown: The Numbers
Data released by the police reveals that anti-Naxal operations reached their peak this year, making 2025 the most successful year in recent history. Through 99 encounters, security forces neutralized 256 Naxalites—the highest figure to date.
Simultaneously, the Naxal network faced a dual blow with 884 arrests and a record 1,562 cadres surrendering to join the mainstream. This massive surrender rate highlights the crumbling morale within the organization and the tightening grip of the security apparatus.
Operational efficiency was further evidenced by the recovery of 645 weapons and 875 IEDs, proactively thwarting potential major attacks. notably, not a single weapon was looted by Naxalites from security forces in 2025, a testament to the increased vigilance and tactical strength of the troops.
Decapitating the Top Leadership
The most significant blow to the insurgency was the elimination of its top command. The year saw the neutralization of the entire top tier of leadership, including the General Secretary of the Central Committee, Basav Raju. In total, 11 Central Committee members and 5 members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) were killed.
Notorious leaders who were once synonymous with terror in Bastar, including Hidma (neutralized in Andhra Pradesh), Ganesh Uike, and Chalpati, were also eliminated this year.
Camps as Engines of Development
A key factor in this success was the establishment of security camps in deep, remote areas. A total of 52 new camps were established in 2025:
• Narayanpur: 22
• Bijapur: 18
• Sukma: 12
These camps have evolved beyond mere security posts into “Integrated Development Centers.” Through these hubs, administration has reached villages that lived under Naxal terror for decades, providing healthcare, rations, electricity, roads, and education. This strategy has shrunk the insurgents’ influence and bridged the gap between the villagers and the government.
Winning Trust Amidst Conflict
While the region tragically lost 46 civilians to Naxal violence, the security forces have emphasized that they are winning not just the war of weapons, but the war of trust. The collaboration between the public and the police has increased significantly compared to previous years, proving that the roots of Naxalism are being severed by a combination of force, precise strategy, and development.
Fact Sheet: 2025 at a Glance
• Total Encounters: 99
• Naxalites Neutralized: 256
• Naxalites Arrested: 884
• Surrenders: 1,562
• Weapons Recovered: 645
• IEDs Recovered: 875
• Weapons Looted by Naxals: 0 (Nil)
• Civilian Casualties: 46
