Chaibasa: A senior Naxalite leader, Madvi Hid, has been killed in an encounter with the Andhra Pradesh Police, delivering a major blow to Maoist networks across Jharkhand and Odisha. Authorities believe his death has significantly weakened the insurgency in both states.
Governments in Jharkhand and Odisha had earlier pledged to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, and both states’ police forces have been conducting coordinated operations to achieve this target. Following Hid’s death, several Naxal cadres have reportedly written letters to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, seeking assistance and expressing willingness to surrender. Security officials say the development has “instilled fear” among Naxal operatives in Jharkhand, forcing many into hiding.
Naxalites Retreat into Saranda Forest
Active Naxal groups in Jharkhand are now largely confined to the Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district. While Hid had attempted to gain control of the region during his lifetime, security agencies feared that his efforts could revive Maoist activity in parts of Jharkhand and Odisha.
Intelligence reports from Odisha suggest that several of Hid’s associates infiltrated Saranda through Sundargarh shortly before his death.
Why Hid Failed to Gain Influence in Saranda
Despite multiple attempts, Hid struggled to consolidate his presence in Saranda. Security officials point out that language barriers prevented his Andhra Pradesh-based cadres from coordinating effectively with local Jharkhand-Odisha Maoist groups. This lack of cohesion hindered his efforts to expand influence in the region.
Since Hid’s death on November 18 during an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradesh, the morale of Naxal groups in Jharkhand has reportedly plummeted. Historically, cadres from Latehar, Giridih, and Gumla have taken shelter in Saranda, helping the organisation regroup. However, renewed police pressure has left them cornered in a shrinking area of influence.
Security Forces Intensify Operations
The Saranda forest, spread across nearly 820 sq km, has long been considered a strategic stronghold for Naxalites. Alert levels have been heightened after intelligence inputs suggested that Andhra-based cadres viewed Saranda as a potential new refuge.
Jharkhand Police and central paramilitary forces are conducting joint operations aimed at dismantling the remaining Naxalite structure in the region. Officials say Hid’s death has provided “significant relief” to both Jharkhand and Odisha, which have been preparing for a major anti-Naxal push in Saranda.
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