Ranchi: The fight against Naxalism in Jharkhand is now in its final phase. In the past 28 months, a total of 62 encounters took place across nine districts, resulting in the death of 39 Naxals.
Currently, only five districts — Giridih, Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga, and West Singhbhum — remain affected by Naxal activities. Among the 12 most Naxal-affected districts across five states in the country, only West Singhbhum from Jharkhand is included.
In Chaibasa, 21 encounters were reported with nine Naxals killed. In Latehar, 12 encounters led to the elimination of six Naxals. Bokaro witnessed five encounters in which 10 Naxals were killed. In Chatra, 12 encounters resulted in the death of eight Naxals. In Lohardaga, five encounters were recorded with two Naxals killed. Ranchi saw three encounters with one Naxal killed. In Gumla, two encounters led to the death of two Naxals. In Khunti, one encounter resulted in the killing of one Naxal. Garhwa witnessed one encounter but no Naxals were killed.
The Naxal problem in Jharkhand has reportedly been reduced by 95 percent. Criminal and extremist groups, now operating in small clusters, have shifted tactics to extortion through WhatsApp calls, along with incidents of arson. With the weakening of major outfits like the CPI (Maoist), smaller criminal and extremist groups have become active, resorting to vehicle arson and firing incidents to enforce extortion and levy collection.