Maoist Commander Hidma Killed in Andhra Pradesh, Deal Blow to LWE Movement

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{ "title": "Maoist Commander Hidma Killed in Andhra Pradesh, Deal Blow to LWE Movement", "article": "In a significant victory for Indian security forces, top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and five others were killed in a gunfight with police in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The operation marked a major blow to the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) movement in the country, which has been on the decline in recent months. Hidma, a 50-year-old central committee member of the CPI (Maoist), was one of the most feared commanders of the outfit. His wife, Madakam Raje, a member of the Dandakaranya special zonal committee, was also among the deceased. The other Maoists killed included divisional committee member Lakmal, platoon party committee members Kamlu, Malla, and Deve, who was Hidma's personal guard. The encounter took place in the Maredumilli forests early on Tuesday morning, with the exchange of fire lasting around 40 minutes. The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, a revolver, and other material from the scene. The killing of Hidma is a significant development, as he was one of the most elusive insurgent leaders in India. He was responsible for some of the deadliest ambushes in south Bastar, including attacks linked to Tadmetla (2010), Darbha/Jhiram Valley (2013), Burkapal (2017), and Tarrem (2021). The LWE movement has been on the decline in recent months, with at least 270 Maoists neutralized, 1,225 surrendering, and 680 arrested, including top leaders. The Union home minister, Amit Shah, had directed security forces to eliminate Hidma by November 30, and they have achieved this goal 12 days ahead of the deadline. The killing of Hidma is expected to cast a shadow on the left-wing movement for a long time. Human rights activist G Haragopal said that the top leadership of the Maoist party is at crossroads, with some members surrendering and others being killed. The movement is likely to face a significant setback with the loss of Hidma, one of its most experienced commanders. In related developments, police teams carried out operations in Vijayawada, parts of NTR district, Krishna district, and Kakinada District, leading to the arrest of 31 individuals linked to Maoist networks. The police also recovered several weapons and other material from the scene. The killing of Hidma is a significant victory for Indian security forces, who have been working tirelessly to eliminate the LWE movement. The operation is expected to have a long-term impact on the movement, and it remains to be seen how the party will respond to this setback."