Some
76 paramilitary troops carrying out a government offensive against tribal
peoples in the mineral-rich state of Chhattisgarh in eastern India were killed
April 6 in an ambush by Maoist-led guerrillas. This is not the first instance
of violence between tribal forces and the government of India. Nearly 1,000
people died in 2009 due to land disputes arising from corporations, such as
NMDC Ltd., moving in to exploit large deposits of iron and other minerals.
According
to Bloomberg News April 7, “Yesterday’s attacks are a setback to India’s
efforts to rid the eastern states of left-wing guerillas and open up regions
rich in iron ore, coal, bauxite and manganese to investment.”
Maoists
in India receive most of their support from poor and tribal communities, as
well as workers and students. The rebels are engaged in a war with the
government of India, which has oppressed the people, especially with the rise
of neo-liberal market reforms that have caused great hardship.
