India: Landmine explosion kills one in Jharkhand December 24

Event

At least one person was killed, and five others critically injured in a landmine blast in Lohardaga district (Jharkhand) on Tuesday, December 24. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Details are still emerging.

Similar attacks likely in the area over the near term.

Context

Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) have been active for several decades in rural areas of the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal as well as in the border region around Andhra Pradesh. An estimated 6,000 people have died in the past 20 years, though activities have decreased recently in part 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.

Advice

Individuals in India, particularly those in Jharkhand state, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the blast, and remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.