Misir Besra, originally from Madanadih village in Giridih district of Jharkhand, has been a prominent figure in Maoist insurgency in India. His journey began with advocacy for the rights of the poor and marginalized, inspired initially by Jharkhand tribal leader Jhambum Guru Shibu Soren. However, over time, he became disillusioned with the mainstream political process and gravitated towards Maoist ideology after coming into contact with Maoist groups.
Rise within Maoist Ranks: Besra quickly rose through the ranks of the Maoist insurgency, eventually becoming one of the top leaders. He has been involved in planning and executing attacks against security forces in various states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Leadership Responsibilities: He has held significant leadership responsibilities within the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), which is the armed wing of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Besra was tasked with organizing and training guerrilla squads in the jungles of Bengal, especially in the districts of Purulia, Bankura, West Medinipur, and Virbhum.
Manhunt and Bounty: Misir Besra has been on the run from security forces for several years. He carries a bounty of one crore rupees on his head, reflecting his status as a high-value target for law enforcement agencies.
Operational Names: Known by various operational names in different states, such as Sunirmal, Vivek, and Sunil, Besra has been elusive despite intensive efforts to capture him.
Organizational Initiatives: In addition to his military roles, Besra has been involved in grassroots organizational efforts, establishing self-help groups and local governance structures in rural areas, particularly in the forested regions of Bengal.
Misir Besra’s story encapsulates the complex interplay of socio-political grievances, insurgency, and governance challenges in the regions affected by Maoist activities in India. His leadership within the Maoist movement underscores ongoing security concerns and the persistent efforts of security forces to counteract such insurgent activities.
