(Image source from: HT)

Infamous Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, who led more than 26 attacks against both security forces and civilians, has been killed in a clash in the Alluri Sitharamaraju district of Andhra Pradesh. This confrontation happened between the rebels and police in the Maredumilli forest, located where Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana meet. Reports indicate that at least six rebel corpses have been found, and the search operation is still ongoing. Andhra Pradesh's police chief, Harish Kumar Gupta, mentioned that the clash occurred today between 6 am and 7 am. "During the gunfight, six Maoists were shot dead, including a prominent leader. A large search operation is currently taking place," he stated. Hidma was born in 1981 in Sukma, which was part of Madhya Pradesh at the time. He eventually led a group within the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and became the youngest member of the Central Committee, the highest decision-making group of the CPI Maoist. He was also the sole tribal member from the Bastar area in this committee. Hidma had a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head. It is also believed that his wife, known as Raje or Rajakka, was killed during this encounter.

Hidma is recognized for his involvement in major Maoist attacks. For instance, he was involved in the 2010 incident in Dantewada where 76 CRPF officers were killed, and the 2013 ambush at Jhiram Ghati that resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including prominent Congress figures. He also had a significant role in the tragic 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush that claimed the lives of 22 security personnel. Hidma's death is a significant setback for the Maoists at a time when they are facing heightened security measures and a significant number of surrenders.

While speaking at the World Summit last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that over 300 Maoists surrendered in just one day. "In the past 50-55 years, thousands lost their lives due to Maoist terrorism. They prevented the establishment of schools and hospitals, stopped doctors from accessing clinics, and bombed institutions. Maoist violence was an injustice to the youth," he remarked. Thus, the government aims to reintegrate these individuals back into society, according to the Prime Minister. "Today, the outcomes of these initiatives are visible," he added.

Among the notable Maoist figures who recently surrendered is Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Bhupathi. After surrendering on October 14, Bhupathi called on his fellow rebels to abandon violence and rejoin society. He emphasized that those fighting for power and land must realize their actions have distanced them from the community, representing a "failure of their approach.""Active Maoists need to abandon violence, surrender, and integrate into society to work with the people," he stated following his surrender.