The deadly attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region that killed 22 security personnel and injured another 33 shows that the Maoist threat remains potent. Around 2,000 security troops had been mobilised for an operation deep in the jungles of Bijapur based on information that a large number of Maoists were holding a meeting there. A total of 10 security teams were launched comprising the CRPF and its elite COBRA unit, District Reserve Guard, District Force and Special Task Force of the Chhattisgarh police. But according to jawans who survived the encounter, they didn't find anything when they reached the targeted spot. And it was while they were returning that they were ambushed in the deserted Tekulguda village where the ultras had set up firing positions. All of this indicates that the security forces had walked into a Maoist trap. This necessitates a thorough evaluation of the intelligence inputs that led to the launch of the security operation in the first place. There have been suspicions for a while that Maoists have been gaming police intercepts, particularly through the Dantewada listening post. Second, large operations with 1,000-plus troops need to be reviewed as they attract too much attention. And third, forces must also review chasing phantom Maoist figures like Madvi Hidma whose alleged presence had launched the massive security mobilisation. There are structural issues that need to be addressed as well. Security operations have to go hand in hand with development initiatives that keep tribals at the centre. This is needed to undermine local support for Maoists. Plus, there needs to be political unity on tackling the Maoist menace. Some BJP netas sniping at Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel after the attack is unhelpful. In fact, states and Centre should work together to plan and execute both security operations and development initiatives to defeat the Maoist scourge.