CPI (Maoist) Condemns Government Crackdown
Key Telangana Maoist leader dies; CPI (Maoist) condemns operation, alleges atrocities in Bastar.
Raipur, (Chhattisgarh), January 18,2025
In a major blow to the Maoist movement, Telangana Maoist Party Secretary Damodar, also known as Bade Chokha Rao, was killed in an encounter conducted by the police in Chhattisgarh. The operation, carried out in the Pujari Kanker area of Bijapur district on January 16, was part of ongoing anti-Naxal initiatives by security forces. under the jurisdiction of the Usur police station, as part of an ongoing anti-Maoist campaign. This encounter has dealt a major blow to the Maoist insurgency in the region.
According to the police, the operation was a response to Maoist activities in the area. Security forces launched the campaign with the objective of neutralizing Maoist groups, who are active in the Bastar region and other parts of central India. However, in a statement issued by the South Bastar Divisional Committee of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) on January 18, the group strongly condemned the operation, labeling it a “massacre” of unarmed villagers and accusing the government of targeting innocent tribal communities.
Maoist Statement and Allegations
The CPI (Maoist) revealed that 18 of their members, including Damodar, lost their lives in the encounter. The statement described Damodar as a key figure in their organization, who fought valiantly against what they termed as “capitalist plunder and exploitation.” His death, they said, was an “irreparable loss,” but his revolutionary legacy would inspire others to continue the struggle.
The Maoists alleged that the operation, which they claimed involved over 5,000 security personnel armed with modern weaponry, was not just aimed at eliminating insurgents but also at displacing tribal communities to facilitate the exploitation of Bastar’s natural resources. They accused the government of orchestrating a campaign under the guise of “Naxal eradication” to aid corporate interests.
The statement also accused the security forces of committing atrocities during the operation, including torturing villagers, destroying property, and forcibly detaining people. The Maoists claimed that five security personnel were killed and several others injured in retaliatory attacks by their cadres, although these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
A Call for Support
The CPI (Maoist) appealed to intellectuals, journalists, human rights activists, and mass organizations to expose the alleged human rights violations and inhuman treatment of tribal communities. They urged progressive forces at national and international levels to stand in solidarity with the people of Bastar and oppose what they called the “fascist” policies of the state and central governments.
The Militarization of Bastar
The Bastar region has long been a hotbed of Maoist insurgency and has become one of the most heavily militarized zones in India. The government’s counter-insurgency operations have intensified in recent years, with a focus on dismantling Maoist networks. While the authorities argue that these efforts are essential to ensure development and security in the region, critics and activists often highlight the impact of these campaigns on tribal communities, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and alleged human rights abuses.
The Legacy of Damodar
Damodar, known within the Maoist ranks for his leadership and strategic acumen, was a senior member of the organization’s South Central Regional Committee. His death marks a significant setback for the Maoist movement, particularly in Telangana and Chhattisgarh, where he played a pivotal role in organizing operations.
While the government has hailed the encounter as a major success in its fight against extremism, the incident also raises questions about the ongoing conflict in Bastar. The death of Damodar and his comrades is likely to escalate tensions in the region, as the Maoists have vowed to continue their struggle against what they see as systemic exploitation and repression.
As the situation unfolds, the Bastar region remains a focal point of India’s internal security challenges, with the state navigating a delicate balance between combating insurgency and addressing the grievances of its tribal population.
