Anti-Maoist Operation at Kareguttalu Hill

• 16 May 2025

Why in News? 

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh Police recently concluded a 21-day intensive anti-Maoist operation at the Kareguttalu Hill (KGH), situated on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.  

• This operation marks a significant breakthrough in India’s ongoing struggle to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and achieve a Naxal-free India by 31st March, 2026.  

 Key Points  

Strategic Importance of Kareguttalu Hill  

• Kareguttalu Hill, a rugged, hilly terrain about 60 km long and 5–20 km wide, had become a stronghold and unified command centre for major Maoist outfits like the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, thier most potent military formation. 
• The region acted as a refuge for 300–350 armed Maoist cadres, including weapon manufacturing units of the Technical Department, facilitating prolonged insurgency in the area. 
• The Maoists considered it impregnable due to its geography and proximity to two states (Chhattisgarh & Telangana), complicating security forces’ operations. 

Objectives and Outcomes of the Operation 

• The primary aim was to dislocate the top Maoist leadership concentrated at Kareguttalu Hill and dismantle their unified military structure. 
  • It is considered the “largest comprehensive and coordinated anti-Maoist operation” in Chhattisgarh to date, reflecting increased capacity and resolve of security forces to reclaim inaccessible Maoist bastions. 
  • Similar operations in other previously inaccessible regions, such as Chakarbanda Hilly Region and Boodha Pahad signal a broader trend of reversing Maoist territorial dominance. 
• The operation witnessed 21 encounters over 21 days, resulting in the elimination of several Maoists, including women cadres. 
• Destruction of weapon manufacturing units was a major outcome, curbing Maoist capabilities to launch attacks on security installations, particularly in Bastar. 
• The operation involved coordinated efforts of multiple units such as the District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force, CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit, and State Police, showcasing inter-agency synergy. 

 People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA)  

• The PLGA was formed on 2^nd December, 2000. 
• It operates as the armed wing of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a banned political organisation in India. 
• The group seeks to overthrow the government through a prolonged civil war. 

 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  

• Inception and Growth: The CRPF was raised in the year 1939 as the Crown Representative Police in response to political turmoil and unrest in the princely states . 
  • In the year 1949, the name of this force was changed to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). 
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF and aligned its functions with the emerging needs of the newly independent nation. 
• Special Units: The CRPF has several special units, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CoBRA, VIP security wing and women battalion.