India: Four Maoist insurgents killed in Chhattisgarh state September 2

Event

On September 2, Indian security forces killed at least four Maoist insurgents during an operation in Narayanpur district (Chhattisgarh state). The clashes reportedly took place in the Abhujhmaad forest near Gumiyabeda. Further clashes between security forces and Maoist insurgents are possible in Chhattisgarh state in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Violent Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) have been active for several decades in rural areas of the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as in the border region around Andra Pradesh. For this reason, restrictions on the movement of foreign tourists in rural areas have been put in place by local authorities. On May 24, an IED blast killed two soldiers in Puswada (Sukma district). On May 20, seven policemen were killed by an IED near the village of Cholnar, in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state.

Advice

Individuals in Chhattisgarh state are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.