Indian security forces have intensified their campaign against Maoist fighters in Chhattisgarh, a state rich in minerals and home to many Indigenous people. The federal government has declared an all-out war to eradicate the long-standing armed rebellion in the region. More than 10,000 soldiers are currently involved in an operation called “Operation Zero or Kagar,” focusing on the Karrigatta hills forest that spans Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
This year alone, at least 201 Maoist rebels, also known as Naxals, have been killed, including 27 on a single day recently, which saw the death of a prominent Maoist leader. In the past 16 months, the total number of alleged Maoist casualties in Chhattisgarh exceeds 400. While the government claims these actions are necessary for security, activists express concern that many of those killed are innocent Adivasis.
Since 2000, clashes involving Maoist fighters have resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 civilians and security personnel. Security forces have reported killing at least 6,160 Maoist fighters during this period. The question remains whether the government’s aggressive tactics will bring peace or further alienate the marginalized Adivasi communities.
The roots of the Maoist movement date back to 1967, starting with a rural uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal. Leaders of the movement aimed to address issues of landlessness and the exploitation of the rural poor. Over the decades, the movement has splintered into various factions, with the Communist Party of India (Maoist) being the most significant armed group today.
The current ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has adopted a more aggressive approach compared to previous administrations. Recent statistics show that the number of Maoists killed has surged since the BJP took power. Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism, calling it a decisive mission for the future of the state.
The operation is heavily supported by advanced technology, including drones for surveillance. However, there are allegations of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings of innocent Adivasis. Human rights groups have documented several incidents where individuals were killed under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the security forces’ actions.
The government has also faced criticism for its recruitment of former Maoists into security forces, a practice seen by some as problematic due to past human rights violations associated with these groups. Activists argue that instead of rehabilitation, this approach perpetuates a cycle of violence.
Despite ongoing military operations, the government continues to express a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Maoists, provided they lay down their arms. However, the Maoists demand a ceasefire and the withdrawal of security forces before any talks can take place.
The conflict in Chhattisgarh is not just about security; it also involves the exploitation of natural resources. Many Adivasis have been displaced due to mining activities in the region, which fuels the conflict. The government’s push for mining has raised alarms about the future of tribal communities and their rights.
As the situation unfolds, many wonder whether the hardline approach will lead to lasting peace or if it will deepen the divide between the government and the Adivasi communities. The ongoing violence and the government’s military strategy continue to shape the narrative in this mineral-rich region of India.