Civil rights leaders oppose Operation Kagar in Chhattisgarh

Civil rights leaders are speaking out against "Operation Kagar" in Chhattisgarh. They argue that the operation is not only targeting Maoists but is also aimed at forcing Adivasis, the local indigenous people, out of their lands. This would allow corporate groups to take control of the area's mineral resources. At a seminar on March 18, 2025, held in Visakhapatnam, various leaders voiced their concerns. Social activist G. Haragopal and human rights advocate V.S. Krishna were among those who spoke at the event. They criticized the government's actions, suggesting that the operation is a facade for corporate exploitation. Haragopal pointed out that the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh has previously stated that the government would remove obstacles for mining operations. Haragopal questioned the need for violence in addressing the Maoist issue. He suggested that instead of using force, the government should seek peaceful resolutions. He highlighted that laws permit police to use force in self-defense, but this is often misused under the guise of "encounters." V.S. Krishna referred to past recommendations from experts about handling violence within legal frameworks. He argued that the government should follow lawful procedures rather than resort to aggression. The seminar was organized by the State committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and was attended by several activists and political figures, including CPI local secretary M. Pydiraju, who welcomed participants.