Indian Forces Kill 13 in Chhattisgarh Anti-Maoist Operation

Karachi, In a controversial operation in Chhattisgarh, India, 13 individuals, including three women, were killed by Indian troops. This incident unfolded during an extensive joint military effort in the forests of Bijapur district, targeting alleged Maoist insurgents.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the operation involved the Central Reserve Police Force, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), District Reserve Guard, and Special Task Force. The clash, which lasted around eight hours near Lenda village, has been reported to have resulted in significant casualties.

IG Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, has acknowledged the deaths, specifying that women were among those killed. Indian authorities have labeled the deceased as members of the Naxal or Maoist guerrilla movement, which seeks to break away from Indian governance.

The incident has reignited concerns over the treatment of tribal populations in the region, where there is a strong demand for independence from Indian rule, particularly in northeast states. Following this event and a previous operation accused of being a ‘fake encounter,’ political tension has escalated.

Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij criticized the approach towards tribal communities, linking an increase in violence in the Bastar region to the current BJP administration. He pledged that the Congress party would resist any actions perceived as unjust against tribal groups.