Largest Anti-Naxal Operation
Operation Black Forest: Operation Black Forest is the biggest anti-Naxal operation carried out on Karregutta hill, located along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The operation marked a turning point in India’s long struggle against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Hundreds of security forces and paramilitary units were deployed, making it one of the most extensive counter-insurgency missions in the region.
The choice of Karregutta hill was significant because of its dense forests and hilly terrain, which provided a stronghold for Naxal groups. Clearing this zone weakened the operational capacity of extremist outfits.
Static GK fact: Chhattisgarh accounts for nearly 30% of all Left-Wing Extremism-related incidents in India.
Strategic Importance of Karregutta
The Karregutta hill range spreads across the Chhattisgarh and Telangana border, which has been a safe corridor for Naxal movements. By targeting this stretch, forces aimed to dismantle supply chains, hideouts, and recruitment zones of insurgents.
The operation also created pressure on Naxal cadres operating in adjoining districts like Bijapur and Sukma, which have historically been epicenters of Maoist violence.
Static GK fact: Sukma district in Chhattisgarh has recorded some of the deadliest Naxal attacks on security forces in India.
Related Anti-Naxal Missions
Before Operation Black Forest, several major anti-Naxal campaigns were launched. One such was Mission Sankalp, conducted across Karregutta and its adjoining hills. It acted as a precursor and helped establish dominance in the region.
Another significant drive was Operation Green Hunt, which began in late 2009. This mission targeted insurgents across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. It involved massive deployment of CRPF battalions and state police units to reclaim Naxal strongholds.
Static GK fact: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the lead anti-Naxal operations force in India.
Broader Fight Against Left-Wing Extremism
Operations like Black Forest underline India’s continuing struggle against Naxalism, often described as the country’s most significant internal security challenge. The government’s approach combines security measures with development programs in affected areas.
Schemes like Aspirational Districts Programme and special central assistance for LWE districts aim to weaken the support base of insurgents by addressing socio-economic grievances.
Static GK Tip: The term “Red Corridor” refers to the Naxal-affected regions stretching from Andhra Pradesh through central India to Bihar and West Bengal.
Long-Term Implications
The success of Operation Black Forest is expected to boost confidence among security forces while restricting the movement of insurgent groups. However, experts note that a sustainable solution requires both strong military presence and long-term developmental strategies.
India’s counter-Naxal missions, from Operation Green Hunt to Operation Black Forest, highlight the evolving tactics to tackle insurgency. The Chhattisgarh-Telangana border remains a sensitive zone, but the latest operations have shifted the balance in favor of the state.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Operation Black Forest:
| Topic | Detail |
| Operation Black Forest | Largest anti-Naxal operation on Karregutta hill at Chhattisgarh-Telangana border |
| Year of launch | 2024 (recently reported) |
| Key area | Karregutta hill range, dense forests along border |
| Related operation | Mission Sankalp on same hills |
| Historic campaign | Operation Green Hunt (2009) across 5 states |
| Forces involved | Security forces and paramilitary units including CRPF |
| Main objective | Eliminate Naxal strongholds and cut supply routes |
| High-risk districts | Sukma, Bijapur in Chhattisgarh |
| Broader challenge | Left-Wing Extremism in Red Corridor |
| Development angle | Aspirational Districts Programme, special assistance to LWE districts |
