Indian Security Forces Kill At Least 12 Maoist Rebels in Chhattisgarh
Around 3,000 Officers Involved in Operation to Counter Long-Running Rebellion in Maoist Stronghold
Chhattisgarh, India – Indian security forces have killed at least 12 Maoist rebels in a major operation aimed at dismantling the long-standing insurgency.
The operation, which took place in the forested areas of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh—one of the strongholds of the Maoist rebellion—began on Thursday and saw intense clashes between security forces and rebels. According to police officials, 12 Maoists were killed in the encounters, though some reports, including from the Hindustan Times, suggest the toll could be as high as 17.
The operation, which involved around 3,000 police officers, commenced on Wednesday night and is part of India’s broader strategy to curb the Maoist insurgency. Chhattisgarh has been a focal point in the government's efforts to quash the rebellion, which has been active for decades.
Sundarraj P, a senior police official, confirmed the casualties to AFP, stating, “We have received information of the killing of 12 Maoists in encounters with the security forces.”
This operation follows another successful security force strike in the nearby Sukma district, where at least three Maoist rebels were killed last week, including an explosives expert believed to be responsible for attacks on government forces.
India's Interior Minister Amit Shah has previously stated that the government expects to defeat the Maoist insurgents by 2026. The past year has seen a significant uptick in government action, with over 200 rebels killed, mostly in Chhattisgarh, according to government data.
The Maoist rebellion, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives since it began, is driven by the rebels' claim that they are fighting for the rights of marginalized Indigenous communities. Over the years, there have been numerous deadly attacks on Indian security forces, including recent bombings that have resulted in casualties. Earlier this month, a roadside bomb killed nine security personnel, and another bomb blast in a separate incident injured two police officers.
In 2021, a fierce gun battle resulted in the deaths of 22 police and paramilitary officers, while a 2019 attack in Maharashtra killed 16 commandos. Despite the government’s aggressive counterinsurgency efforts, the rebellion continues to pose a significant challenge to Indian authorities.