India: Five Maoists insurgents killed in Latehar (Jharkhand state) April 4

Event

At least five suspected Maoist militants (Naxalites) were killed in clashes with security forces in Latehar district (Jharkhand state) on the morning of Wednesday, April 4. The encounter, between the militants and a joint team of Jharkhand and national police agents, occurred in the Badgaon forest on the border between the Manika and Herhanj police zones. The incident comes on the same day of a planned visit by Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das to the nearby Betla wildlife sanctuary. Since January 2018, Indian security forces have killed more than 15 Naxalite operatives. 

Context

Maoist insurgents are active in rural/remote areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal states, as well as in the border region around Andra Pradesh. For this reason, the Odisha government has imposed major restrictions on the movement of foreign tourists in rural areas.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and monitor local media. If planning to visit the rural areas of the aforementioned states, exercise heightened caution..