Maoist Rebels Killed in Deadly Skirmish

By Lauren Ho

Thirty-one Maoist rebels were killed by Indian security forces on February 9, 2025 in Chhattisgarh. Beginning in the 1920s, India’s communist political movement has grown but it was not until the 60s did it experience its first armed uprising. As the movement grew, it was re-termed by the Indian government as Left-Wing Extremism and Naxalism. Despite government suppression beginning in 1972 small factions of communist sympathizers remained. The Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) eventually became what is the current day Maoism known as the Communist Party of India (CPI) although it has been banned in India.

Inspired by the Chinese communist leader, Mao Zedong, the Maoists goal is to bring communist ruling to India. They also claim they are fighting for the rights of the poor. The area controlled by the Maoists is called the “red corridor” and is where the conflicts primarily occur. Over the last year the Indian security forces have been conducting counter-insurgency efforts and have decreased the violence levels in the area. However, this recent skirmish is an indication that the rebel conflict will continue despite counter insurgency efforts.