Ahead of March 31,2026 deadline set by the Narendra Modi government to make the country free from Naxals,security forces seem to be leaving no stone unturned to achieve its goal.

This became evident on Thursday when ten Naxals were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the government will completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.

Due to mega operations during the past two decades, the Modi government is credited to have left "Naxal Corridor" largely collapsed, with the Maoist influence now limited to a few pockets in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

In Jharkhand, it continued to have pockets of influence in West Singhbhum forest, especially Saranda forest where the latest battle of bullets resulted in the death of ten Naxals, including one senior cadre member (CCM) carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty.

Reports claimed that the gun battle was still underway between security forces and Naxals in Saranda forest covering Kumdi in the Kiriburu police station area.

The operation marks a significant achievement for security forces in the fight against Naxalism, as the Saranda forest has long been a stronghold of militant activity.

However, recent operations have considerably weakened their network, a senior security officer reported.

West Singhbhum’s Saranda region is currently witnessing frequent anti-Naxal operations. The area, which borders Odisha, offers militants strategic cover, while its dense vegetation makes surveillance challenging for security agencies.

DIG Western Range, Brijesh Kumar Rai said, “A massive Maoist operation is planned in the Saranda forest. Considering the district and the possible movements of the Maoists, the Rourkela police, along with the district police with CAPFs, have launched a comprehensive operation. The ongoing Saranda operation is being closely monitored and coordinated with officers."