Tag: Bastar

The CPI (Maoist) has termed the killing of top commander Hidma a “fake encounter” and announced November 23 as a nationwide ‘Resistance Day’. In a press note, the Maoist Central Committee alleged that Hidma was captured alive and later executed, while security forces have rejected the claims, asserting the encounter was genuine. Following the announcement, multiple states have been placed on high alert amid fears of possible attacks or disruptions.

In Chhattisgarh, 71 Naxalites—including 21 women—surrendered in Dantewada under the “Lone Varratu” scheme, marking the largest mass capitulation in state history. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the event as a sign of waning Maoist influence, with financial aid, skill training, and land offered to facilitate reintegration.

In what is being described as the biggest anti-Naxal operation in India’s history, around 10,000 security personnel have surrounded nearly 1,000 armed Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. The encounter, which has already resulted in multiple casualties, is ongoing and expected to intensify in the coming days.