Intelligence agencies warn of big Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

Reported by Manish Shukla

Intelligence agencies have warned of a big Naxal attack on security forces in Chhattisgarh's South Bastar region.

The Naxals have stepped up opposition to setting up of fresh special force camps and construction of roads in three districts of South Bastar - Sukma, Dantewada and Bijapur.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Inputs indicate that cadres of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) have congregated in large numbers and are trying to lay ambushes for the special forces in South Bastar.

The PLGA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a banned organisation in India which aims to overthrow the government of India through people's war.

The Naxal insurgency, considered India's most serious internal security threat, has claimed around 10,000 lives since it started in the 1960s.

Chhattisgarh is part of the so-called "red corridor" that passes through resource-rich areas of central, southern, western and eastern India and is mostly inhabited by underprivileged tribes.

Naxalites, who say they are fighting for the rights of marginalised tribal groups, operate from jungle bases but often descend on villages to demand protection money and recruit young men and women to their ranks.

Since his election in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been seeking to stem the insurgency through development funds for revolt-hit areas and improving policing.

(With inputs from agencies)