India: Security forces clash with Maoist rebels in Rajnandgaon district (Chhattisgarh state) May 8

Event

Security forces killed four Maoist rebels during clashes in Rajnandgaon district (Chhattisgarh state) during the evening (local time) of Friday, May 8. Fighting occurred near the village of Pardhauni, as police carried out a counter-insurgency operation after receiving intelligence regarding rebel activity in the area. The clashes also resulted in the death of at least one police officer. A number of automatic rifles were recovered from the scene.

Further operations by security forces are possible in the area in the near term.

Context

Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) are active in rural/remote areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal states, as well as in the border region between Andra Pradesh and in remote parts of Bihar and West Bengal states. For this reason, the Odisha government has imposed major restrictions on the movement of foreign tourists in rural areas.

Advice

Foreign nationals present in India are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities if planning to visit the rural areas of these state.