In a highly turbulent incident in Chhattisgarh state, Indian forces have reportedly killed six individuals, including two women.
According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, the casualties occurred during an anti-Naxal operation conducted by Indian paramilitary forces, including battalions 205 and 210 of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), along with the Basaguda District Reserve Guard (DRG). The operation took place in the jungles of Chikurbhatti and Pusbaka villages, located under the Basaguda police station area in Bijapur district. Indian forces have labeled the victims as Maoists, claiming that they were neutralized during the operation. This incident comes shortly after three villagers were reportedly murdered on suspicion of being police informers in the same district. The toll of violence in Chhattisgarh has been steadily rising this year, with 37 Maoists and six Indian personnel reportedly killed so far. Last year saw a similar surge in violence, with 24 Maoists and 25 Indian personnel losing their lives in the state.
The Communist Party of India (Maoists) and other groups, including Dalits, continue to demand their political rights and liberation from what they perceive as Indian oppression.—INP
