In a symbolic yet defiant act, the tricolor was unfurled in several red zones of Chhattisgarh, hours after IED blasts injured security personnel. The flag-hoisting ceremonies, marking Republic Day, took place in areas formerly considered Maoist strongholds, demonstrating the government's resolve to establish its presence and extend democratic reach in the conflict-ridden region.

The events unfolded in the Karregutta Hills of Bijapur district, a region that has long served as a sanctuary for Naxalites. Earlier, on Sunday, multiple IED blasts targeted a joint anti-Naxal operation team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Chhattisgarh Police and the elite CoBRA unit of the CRPF. At least ten DRG jawans and one CoBRA commando were injured in the serial explosions. The injured were immediately evacuated to Raipur and are reported to be in stable condition.

According to police officials, the IEDs were planted by Maoists with the intent to disrupt Republic Day celebrations and intimidate security forces. Security forces launched a large-scale search and recovery operation in the aftermath of the blasts to locate and defuse any remaining IEDs.

Despite the attacks, security forces achieved a significant victory by unfurling the national flag at a newly established security camp in the Karregutta Hills. Situated at approximately 5,000 feet, this hill had been a key Naxalite sanctuary in the Bastar region. Police sources stated that these flag-hoisting ceremonies also occurred in previously inaccessible villages. The unfurling of the flag in this high-altitude Maoist core zone represents a powerful assertion of India’s sovereignty and the triumph of democracy over violence.

The Karregutta Hills, located along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, have been the focus of large-scale anti-Maoist drives, resulting in significant setbacks for insurgent groups. The establishment of new security camps in surrounding regions aims to further extend the administrative reach of the government.

Security officials have been on high alert due to a spike in IED attacks and recoveries in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. This increase is directly proportional to the establishment of new forward operating bases in core Maoist areas. In 2024, there were 78 major IED blasts and recoveries in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of eight security personnel.

The recent attacks underscore the challenges faced by security forces in the region as they work towards the government's goal of eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026. The use of remote-controlled IEDs (RCIEDs) by Maoists is of particular concern. These devices, which can be detonated from a distance, are considered deadlier than pressure-triggered or command-wire IEDs.

The unfurling of the tricolor in these red zones carries immense symbolic weight. It signifies the determination of the government and security forces to reclaim these areas from Maoist control and integrate them into the mainstream. It also serves as a message of hope and reassurance to the local population, who have long been caught in the crossfire between Maoists and security forces.