On 21st May, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah announced a landmark achievement in India’s ongoing battle against Naxalism. In a significant operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, security forces neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). This operation marks a historic milestone in the fight against Naxal insurgency.
Operation Black Forest: A Game-Changer
Neutralization of Key Maoist Leader
The operation, conducted on 21st May, 2025, in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, resulted in the neutralization of Nambala Keshav Rao, described as the backbone of the Naxal movement. This is the first time in three decades that a general secretary-ranked Maoist leader has been neutralized, signifying a major blow to the CPI-Maoist leadership. The Home Minister praised the bravery and dedication of the security forces for this breakthrough under Operation Black Forest.
In addition to the neutralizations, the operation led to the arrest of 54 Naxalites and the surrender of 84 others across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, further weakening the Naxal network.
Government’s Commitment to Eradicating Naxalism
A Deadline for Elimination
The Modi government has set an ambitious target to eliminate Naxalism in India by 31st March, 2026. This operation underscores the government’s resolve to dismantle the Naxal ecosystem through coordinated efforts involving security forces, intelligence agencies, and state governments. Shri Amit Shah emphasized that this achievement is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and security in Naxal-affected regions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Date | 21st May, 2025 |
| Location | Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh |
| Key Outcome | Neutralization of 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao |
| Additional Results | 54 arrests, 84 surrenders in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra |
| Government Target | Eliminate Naxalism by 31st March, 2026 |
Understanding Naxalism in India
A Persistent Internal Security Challenge
Naxalism, rooted in the Maoist ideology, has been a significant internal security threat in India for decades, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The CPI-Maoist aims to overthrow the state through armed rebellion, affecting development and stability in affected regions. Operations like Operation Black Forest demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between central and state forces to counter this threat.
The neutralization of a high-ranking leader like Nambala Keshav Rao disrupts the organizational structure of the Maoists, paving the way for further progress in restoring peace and promoting development in affected areas.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, this development is crucial under topics like internal security, Naxalism, and current affairs. Aspirants should focus on:
- The significance of Operation Black Forest in weakening the CPI-Maoist leadership.
- The role of security forces and intelligence agencies in countering Naxalism.
- The Modi government’s target to eliminate Naxalism by 31st March, 2026.
- The broader implications for internal security and regional development in Naxal-affected states.
This operation serves as a case study for understanding India’s approach to tackling internal security challenges and ensuring national stability.
Key Highlights
- On 21st May, 2025, security forces neutralized 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh.
- This marks the first neutralization of a CPI-Maoist general secretary in three decades.
- Operation Black Forest led to 54 arrests and 84 surrenders across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
- The Modi government aims to eliminate Naxalism by 31st March, 2026.
- Relevant for competitive exams under internal security, Naxalism, and current affairs.