India: Maoist rebels kill five in Chhattisgarh November 8 /update 1

Event

Suspected Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalites, killed five people in Chhattisgarh with an improvised explosive device (IED) on Thursday, November 8. The explosion targeted a police bus and resulted in the deaths of a police constable and four civilians around noon (local time) in Dantewanda district in southern Chhattisgarh. This is the third such attack by suspected insurgents in the past two weeks and comes just days before the state holds legislative elections on Monday, November 12. Similar attacks are possible in the coming weeks, particularly around elections on November 12 and 20.

Context

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. An estimated 6000 people have died in the past 20 years, though activities have decreased recently partially due to a security crackdown. Restrictions on the movement of foreigners are in place for some rural areas of eastern India, including parts of Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh is set to hold its statewide legislative elections this November, with southern areas voting on November 12 and northern elections held on November 28.

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.