Indian police forces killed 29 suspected Maoist rebels in the central state of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, just three days before the start of India’s presidential election.
Law enforcement authorities initiated a raid in the Kanker district following crucial intelligence about suspected communist rebel activities. In the ensuing skirmish, three security personnel suffered injuries. The after-action led to a recovery of several firearms.
The clash traces back to a seemingly never-ending conflict that began in 1967 when Indian forces found themselves locked in a struggle with Maoist rebels across various central and northern territories. These rebels, also known as Naxalites, agitate for more employment opportunities, land rights, and wealth for India’s economically impoverished indigenous tribes.
According to the Indian government, the dissidents pose the gravest internal security challenge for the nation. Drawing direct inspiration from Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong, they persist with disruptive activities mainly in Chhattisgarh, often making government forces and officials the targets of their aggression. Chhattisgarh is among the poorest regions of India but is rich in minerals.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has resolved to uproot the communist insurgency from this embattled state, describing it as the “biggest enemy of development, peace and bright future of youth” and stating that “We are determined to free the country from the scourge of Naxalism.”
