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Indian Forces Eliminate Top Maoist Leaders in Major Anti-Insurgency Push

The killings of CPI (Maoist) chief Basavaraju and JJMP leader Pappu Lohra mark significant milestones in India's campaign to eradicate Naxalism by 2026.

CPI (Maoist) rebel with a ₹5 lakh bounty was killed in Jharkhand
The gunfight continued for 30 intense minutes from both sides. Around 300 rounds were fired by the security forces.
Image
Image by Wasif Khan | ThePrint

Overview

  • Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI (Maoist), was killed in Chhattisgarh on May 21, 2025, during a meticulously planned operation by the District Reserve Guard.
  • On May 24, 2025, Pappu Lohra, leader of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), and his associate Prabhat Ganjhu were neutralized in an encounter in Latehar, Jharkhand.
  • The operations have significantly weakened Maoist leadership, with Basavaraju's death disrupting the CPI (Maoist)'s command structure and Lohra's elimination destabilizing the JJMP faction.
  • The Indian government is intensifying its dual strategy of security operations and development initiatives, aiming to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
  • Security forces have reported a marked reduction in Maoist violence and an increase in surrenders, attributed to sustained counter-insurgency efforts and improved governance in affected regions.