Major Maoist Commander Neutralized in Jharkhand Operation, Says Amit Shah

In a significant blow to Left Wing Extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the elimination of a high-profile Maoist leader, Patiram Manjhi, during a joint security operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. Manjhi, a central committee member of the banned outfit, carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. The operation, involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police, has so far resulted in the neutralization of Manjhi and 15 other insurgents, marking a major stride in purging the region of Maoist influence. Shah shared the update on social media platform X, emphasizing the government’s aggressive push against insurgency.

The encounter unfolded in the dense forests of Saranda, where security forces engaged in intense firefights with Maoist cadres. Jharkhand Police spokesperson Michaelraj S confirmed Manjhi’s death, noting that efforts were ongoing to ascertain the total number of casualties among the rebels. This operation underscores the intensified efforts by central and state forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds, which have long plagued tribal areas with violence and extortion.

Reaffirming the central government’s zero-tolerance stance, Shah reiterated the commitment to eradicate Naxalism entirely before March 31, 2026. He described the ideology as one rooted in fear, terror, and armed conflict, urging remaining insurgents to surrender and integrate into mainstream society. The minister’s appeal highlights a dual strategy of military action and rehabilitation to address the decades-old menace.

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This success follows recent victories in other Maoist-affected zones. Just days earlier, on January 17-18, six rebels were killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, with security forces recovering advanced weaponry including AK-47s and INSAS rifles. One of the slain was a notorious operative, Dilip Bedja, active in sensitive national park regions, signaling a broader crackdown across states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address to party workers, warned about the emerging threat of urban Naxalism, which he said was expanding internationally. He accused certain elements of silencing voices supportive of the government through humiliation and isolation tactics. Modi also stressed the urgency of identifying and deporting infiltrators, framing it as a critical national security issue amid evolving forms of extremism.

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