Curregutta
The Kargutta hill, situated on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, was considered an impervious stronghold of Naxalites for a long time. But now this hill is under the control of Indian security forces. After 9 days of hard climb and strategic campaign under ‘Operation Sankalp’, security forces captured the hill and hoisted the tricolor flag there. The video of this historic victory is going viral on social media, in which the soldiers are seen waving the tricolor proudly.
Operation Resolution: The biggest campaign against Naxalites
The Karegutta hill is at an altitude of about 5,000 feet above sea level. It is said that this hill was the main hideout of Battalion No.1 of the People’s Liberation Gerila Army (PLGA). About 500–1,000 Naxalites were hiding in the region. The region has been the center of top Naxalite commanders like Hidma, Deva, Damodar, Azad and Sujata. Around 10,000 security personnel participated in ‘Operation Sankalp’, which started on 21 April, including Chhattisgarh Police, Telangana Police, CRPF, Cobra Battalion, STF, DRG and Bastar fighters.
During the campaign, 500 specially trained soldiers were landed on the hill through helicopters. Despite the fierce heat of 40–45 ° C, inaccessible paths and IED (improvised explosive device) laid by Naxalites, the soldiers drove the Naxalites and captured a large part of the hill. During this period, two soldiers were injured in the IED blast, and several soldiers were victims of dehydration.
Naxalite stronghold now in possession of soldiers
The Kargutta hill is also called the ‘Black Forest’ or ‘Black Hills’ of the Naxalites, as this area is so dense and inaccessible that darkness falls after 4 pm. The locals were afraid of going to this area. The security forces not only captured the hill, but also set up a temporary camp there, which would further strengthen the monitoring and the campaign.
According to reports, the battalion number 1 of Naxalites has been surrounded all around in this campaign. Around 2,000 Naxalites are reported to be surrounded, while some top Naxalite leaders, such as Hidma, have fled towards Telangana. However, it has not been officially confirmed.
Naxalite cave revealed
During the campaign, security forces found a huge cave on the Kargutta hill, which was so large that 1,000 Naxalites could hide in it. This cave had a system of keeping arms, ammunition and other materials. A natural tunnel was also found inside the cave, which was the way for the Naxalites to run away. The soldiers also captured this cave.
Naxalite peace proposal, government denied
Naxalites proposed peace talks and ceasefire under the pressure of operation. CPI (Maoist) central spokesperson Abhay and Telangana cadre Naxalite Shanta issued statements and press notes for this. However, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma rejected the proposal and asked the Naxalites to surrender.
Relief among local people, hope of development
Villagers living in nearby villages have breathed a sigh of relief after the occupation of the security forces on Karragutta. He welcomed the campaign and hoped that now the paths of peace and development in the region will open. The security forces plans to set up a permanent outpost (forward operating base) in this area, so that Naxalite activities can be banned permanently.
Viral video and enthusiasm on social media
In the videos and photographs released by the security forces, the soldiers are seen hoisting the tricolor on the top of the Karragutta hill. This video is becoming increasingly viral on social media. Many users on X called it ‘a historic victory against Naxalism’. One user wrote, “Red on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border The Kargutta hill, who was synonymous with terror, is now in the possession of the soldiers with the pride of the tricolor. ”
Increasing pressure on surrender and Naxalites
During the campaign, a total of 24 Naxalites, including 14 Naxalites worth Rs 28.50 lakh in Bijapur, surrendered to the security forces, including 11 women. With this, increasing pressure on Naxalites can be gauged.
