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Operation KGH 2 Targets Left Wing Extremism on Border

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

Highlights the operational and developmental tactics (multi-layered approach) currently employed by the State to counter Maoism, which is critical for answering questions regarding LWE eradication targets, the establishment of FOBs, and development-oriented counter-insurgency schemes in GS Paper 3.

Summary

Security forces, led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have launched 'Operation KGH-2' involving 2,000 personnel along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border to eliminate top Maoist leadership. This aligns with the Union Government's goal of wiping out Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. Emphasizing a multi-layered counter-insurgency strategy, the operation merges kinetic security efforts—such as setting up Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to disrupt supply lines—with socio-economic development under Chhattisgarh’s 'Niyad Nellanar Yojna', which utilizes CRPF camps to deliver welfare schemes. The approach highlights India's ongoing success in reducing the Maoist footprint.

Key Points

  • Nearly 2,000 security personnel, spearheaded by the CRPF, launched 'Operation KGH-2' along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border to target top Maoist leaders.
  • The operation aims to fulfil the Union Government's target of eradicating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026.
  • Security forces are relying on the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in core Maoist strongholds to disrupt supply chains and restrict insurgent movement.
  • The footprint of LWE is shrinking, with core Maoist leadership dropping drastically and affected districts in the region reducing from 18 to 8.
  • A multi-pronged approach involves using CRPF camps as 'Integrated Centres' for Chhattisgarh's 'Niyad Nellanar Yojna', a developmental initiative intended to win over local tribal communities.

Important Terms

Operation KGH-2

A major multi-force counter-insurgency operation launched in February 2026, led by the CRPF, targeting senior Maoist leadership in the Karreguttalu Hills (KGH) along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

UPSC context

GS Paper III: Internal Security. Tests knowledge of specific tactical operations and coordination between state and central forces.

Source
Niyad Nellanar Yojana

A Chhattisgarh government welfare initiative (meaning "Your Good Village") that delivers essential services like electricity, roads, and healthcare to remote villages located within a 5km radius of security camps.

UPSC context

GS Paper II & III: Governance and Internal Security. Tests understanding of developmental interventions used to counter extremist ideologies.

Source
Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

The umbrella term for the Maoist insurgency in India, which the Union Government aims to completely eliminate by March 2026 through a combined strategy of security, development, and community trust-building.

UPSC context

GS Paper III: Internal Security Threats. A core topic regarding the 'Red Corridor' and national security challenges.

Source
Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)

Strategic, permanent security camps established in erstwhile Maoist strongholds to facilitate continuous anti-insurgency operations, disrupt rebel logistics, and serve as hubs for delivering government welfare schemes to tribal populations.

UPSC context

GS Paper III: Role of security forces. Tests knowledge of tactical shifts in counter-insurgency strategy.

Source
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, serving as the lead agency for internal security and counter-insurgency in Maoist-affected regions.

UPSC context

GS Paper III: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Source
CPI (Maoist)

A banned ultra-leftist organization in India that seeks to overthrow the state through protracted guerrilla warfare, primarily operating in the forested regions of central and eastern India.

UPSC context

GS Paper III: Internal Security. Specifically focuses on non-state actors as a threat to national stability.

Source

Prelims Trap

"Niyad Nellanar Yojna is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to combat Left Wing Extremism across all states."

Niyad Nellanar is a state-specific scheme launched by the Chhattisgarh government, not a central scheme, despite utilizing central security camps (CRPF) for execution.

Static Concepts Connected

Internal Security

What are the core components of the SAMADHAN doctrine against LWE?

  • Strategic Focus: Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation & Training, and Actionable Intelligence to pre-empt insurgent actions.
  • Operational Mechanics: Dashboard KPIs, Harnessing Technology, Action plans for each theatre, and No access to financing to choke Maoist logistics.
Internal Security

How is jurisdiction shared between State Police and CAPFs in LWE ops?

  • Constitutional Mandate: Public order is a State subject (Schedule 7). State police hold primary jurisdiction for maintaining law, order, and anti-insurgency operations.
  • Union Assistance: The CRPF (a CAPF) is deployed by the Ministry of Home Affairs purely to assist state police, operating in aid of civil power.
  • Unified Command: Operations are managed via a Unified Command headed by the State's Chief Secretary or Director General of Police.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • FOBs as Welfare Delivery Nodes

    CRPF Forward Operating Bases doubling as delivery centers for schemes like Niyad Nellanar perfectly links internal security containment (GS3) with tribal welfare and governance reach (GS2).

  • Inter-state Borders as Final Retreats

    As the Red Corridor shrinks, LWE groups retreat to complex inter-state boundaries (Chhattisgarh-Telangana). Exam questions often test institutional mechanisms for inter-state policing coordination.

With the March 2026 eradication deadline, the dual "kinetic security + civic development" model is a highly probable GS-3 Mains question.

Linked PYQs · 5

Linked PYQs · 5

  • 2022MainsGS3

    Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

  • 2020MainsGS3

    What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

  • 2018MainsGS3

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

  • 2015MainsGS3

    The persisting drives of the Government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.

  • 2023MainsGS3

    What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.