Indian security forces engaged in a gunfight with Maoist rebels on Saturday, resulting in the death of at least 16 rebels, as reported by the police.

According to police chief P. Sundarraj, fulfilled to the AFP news agency, the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. Additionally, two security personnel sustained minor injuries during the operation.

The conflict started when security forces conducted a raid in the dense forests of Sukma district and discovered several firearms. Sundarraj further stated that the operation was ongoing and that the forces had recovered a cache of weapons, including rocket and grenade launchers, assault weapons, and other rifles.

The encounter took place in the central state of Chhattisgarh as Indian authorities enhance their efforts to suppress the long-running Maoist insurgency. Over the past few decades, the “Naxalite” rebellion has resulted in the loss of more than 10,000 lives. The rebels contend that they are fighting for the rights of poor Indian farmers and landless laborers in India’s resource-rich central regions.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his third term last year, the skirmishes between security forces and Maoists have intensified. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has publicly declared his commitment to eliminating the insurgency. In a tweet, Shah mentioned, “Another strike on Naxalism! Our security agencies have neutralized 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are determined to eradicate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026.”

Sean Sinico edited the report.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/india-16-maoist-rebels-killed-in-chhattisgarh/a-72080771?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf