Updated on
Summary
The Maoist rebels killed at least 73 Indian paramilitary forces in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh today in an ambush of a company of about 120 highly trained troops involved in anti-guerrilla operations in the remote area. It is believed to be the highest number of troops killed by Maoists in a single attack since they launched their 'revolutionary war' more than 20 years ago. The attack marks an escalation in the insurgency by India's Maoist Naxalite movement, which began in West Bengal, but now affects 182 of the country's 612 districts and is a powerful force in Chattisgargh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. More than 6,000 people have been killed in the conflict to date and the government is under increasing pressure to break its tightening grip on poor rural districts of south-east India. Despite promises of a major operation, the Naxalites appear to be stronger than ever.
