At Least 12 Maoist Rebels Killed by India’s Security Forces in Major Operation
In a significant operation against insurgency, Indian security forces killed at least 12 Maoist rebels in the dense forests of eastern India. The encounter, which took place early Friday morning in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-affected Sukma district, is being hailed as a substantial victory in the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the decades-long left-wing extremist movement.
Officials reported that the operation was launched following intelligence reports about a large gathering of Maoists in the region. A joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted a well-coordinated assault. After hours of intense fighting, the forces recovered the bodies of 12 insurgents along with a cache of weapons and ammunition.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence inputs,” said Chhattisgarh Police Chief Ashok Juneja. “We believe that some high-ranking members of the Maoist leadership were among those killed. The combing operation is ongoing to locate other insurgents who may have fled the scene.”
Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalites, have been waging a guerrilla war against the Indian government for over five decades. They claim to represent the rights of tribal communities and landless laborers, often targeting government forces and infrastructure to further their cause. However, the movement has been labeled as the country’s greatest internal security challenge due to its violent methods, including ambushes, landmine attacks, and assassinations.
Chhattisgarh, particularly its Bastar region, has been a hotbed of Maoist activity. The dense forests and difficult terrain have provided the rebels with safe havens, making counter-insurgency operations challenging. Security forces have ramped up operations in the area in recent years, achieving several high-profile successes, including the elimination of key leaders.
While officials celebrated the success of the operation, human rights organizations raised concerns over potential collateral damage. Activists have often accused security forces of heavy-handed tactics, including extrajudicial killings and mistreatment of local populations, exacerbating grievances in tribal regions.
The government has emphasized a dual approach to tackling the Maoist insurgency, combining military action with development initiatives in affected areas. However, the movement remains resilient, with an estimated 6,000-8,000 armed cadre still active.
This latest operation is expected to further weaken the rebels’ hold in Chhattisgarh. Authorities are continuing surveillance in the region, and more operations are anticipated in the coming weeks to dismantle Maoist networks and ensure peace in the conflict-ridden state.
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