Maoist Organizations Call for Bandh Across Four States Against ‘Operation Kagar’
February 13, 2025
Maoist organizations have declared a statewide shutdown across Odisha, Bihar, eastern Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand from February 13 to 24, protesting against the ongoing military operation, Operation Kagar. The Communist Party of India (Maoist) has accused the central government of prioritizing corporate interests while exploiting natural resources and suppressing marginalized communities.
According to the Maoist statement, Operation Kagar—launched in 2024—has led to large-scale military deployment in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The group alleges that since the BJP’s victory in the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, over 10,000 personnel have been stationed in Bastar, with 61 new police camps established. Similarly, the previous BJD-led government and the current BJP-led government in Odisha have set up 10 new police camps in Nuapada and Kalahandi districts.
The Maoists have further claimed that security forces have been conducting violent crackdowns under the pretext of anti-Maoist operations. They cite the alleged killing of civilians, including a six-month-old infant in Bijapur district, and the deaths of several individuals in Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Kanker. Additionally, they claim that senior party leader Comrade Jairam, along with 16 associates, was killed in Kuhladi Ghati.
The Maoists also accused the current Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bishnudev Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi of orchestrating state-backed violence, alleging that the previous BJD government and the present BJP government in Odisha were responsible for the deaths of individuals such as Dasaru, Santha, and Sunil. The killing of tribal farmer Sunam Enka in Malkangiri on November 20, 2024, has further intensified the protest movement.
In response, security forces have heightened vigilance across the affected states, anticipating potential disruptions due to the bandh. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while emphasizing that operations against Maoist insurgency will continue.
While the government maintains that its actions are aimed at curbing extremism and ensuring national security, Maoist organizations argue that Operation Kagar is a systematic attack on indigenous communities and the poor. The impact of the ongoing bandh remains to be seen as tensions continue to rise in the affected regions.
News By……
Chandra Bhanu Singh
Bureau chief Southern Odisha
