In the heart of Chhattisgarh, central India, a special police unit is conducting regular patrols to track down Maoist insurgents, locally known as Naxals. These operations take place in dense forests that serve as ideal hiding spots for insurgents and their ambushes.
The Maoist movement began in 1967 in West Bengal, advocating for the rights of marginalized indigenous groups. Today, the Indian government has vowed to eliminate the insurgency by next year. However, these military operations have deeply affected local Adivasi communities, who live in constant fear.
In Bodgha village, families mourn loved ones lost in crossfires. Many locals feel the distinction between insurgents and civilians has blurred, leading to mistrust and trauma.
Meanwhile, the government’s hardline approach has prompted a wave of surrenders. At a police station in Bastar District, former Maoists are turning themselves in, drawn by promises of rehabilitation and vocational training. While the number of insurgents is declining, the emotional and social consequences of the conflict continue to haunt the villages.
(This video summary was created using AI. A journalist edited it before publication.)