Operation Kagar: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Naxalism

In a secretive operation codenamed Kagar, security forces launched a massive assault on the Maoist stronghold in the dense forests of the Karreguttalu hill range, straddling Telangana and Chhattisgarh. With an estimated 400 Maoists, including top leaders, believed to be camping in the area, the operation deployed 10,000 personnel from various forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Greyhounds of Telangana. The operation, which covered an area of 288 sq km, was monitored by top officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, and resulted in the death of 31 Maoists, including 15 women, and the recovery of over 400 Improvised Explosive Devices.

Key Takeaways:

• Operation Kagar was the "biggest operation till date" launched by the security forces, covering an area of 288 sq km in the Karreguttalu hill range.
• The operation was launched to apprehend or eliminate the top leadership and the cadres of the Maoists, including Madvi Hidma, Deva Barse, and Damodar, who were believed to be camping in the area.
• The Maoists had taken advantage of their position atop the hills, with mines spread across the area, hampering the advance of the security forces.
• Despite utmost precautions, 18 personnel suffered serious injuries, including Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade, who was airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, where his left leg was amputated.
• Over 400 Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered, along with 818 under-barrel grenade launchers, 35 automatic, semi-automatic, and INSAS rifles, and a large quantity of cordtex wires.
• The operation has driven the Maoists from their considered impenetrable bastion, with the top leaders Hidma, Deva, and Damodar managing to escape.
• The security forces have lost 20 personnel and 16 villagers were killed by Maoists on the pretext of being informers.
• The Maoists have suffered a huge setback, with 280 of their cadres lost last year and 197 this year.

Statistics:

• Area covered by the operation: 288 sq km
• Number of security personnel deployed: 10,000
• Estimated number of Maoists believed to be camping in the area: 400
• Number of Maoists killed in 21 encounters: 31
• Rewards on the heads of Madvi Hidma, Deva Barse, and Damodar: Rs 1 crore each
• Number of Improvised Explosive Devices recovered: over 400
• Number of under-barrel grenade launchers recovered: 818
• Number of automatic, semi-automatic, and INSAS rifles recovered: 35

Sources:

• [1] The Times of India
• [2] The Hindu
• [3] IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com