India: Naxalite attacks wound 15 in eastern Maharashtra on May 1 /update 1

Event

Maoist insurgents, or Naxalites, conducted two attacks in Maharashtra state's Gadchiroli district on Wednesday, May 1, wounding around 15 policemen. The rebels reportedly set fire to around 36 construction vehicles in Kurkheda subdistrict. In a separate incident, a suspected Naxalite improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near a police vehicle, wounding 15 policemen. The insurgents are reportedly commemorating the one-year anniversary of the deaths of 40 Naxalites in the area. Further incidents are possible in the coming days in eastern Maharashtra state and neighboring areas. Maharashtra state recently completed voting in the 2019 general elections.

Context

Eastern Maharashtra is experiencing an ongoing insurgency conducted by Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalites, who are particularly active in neighboring Chhattisgarh state. There have been several incidents in the past several weeks, including arson attacks on government vehicles and the murder of a local teacher suspected of being a police officer.

Advice

Individuals in eastern Maharashtra are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. travel restrictions), and remain vigilant for militant activity, particularly if traveling to rural areas.