Bijapur, Chhattisgarh: Indian forces have killed five tribals, including two women, during a security operation in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, an area known for ongoing conflict.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, personnel from the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, and District Force conducted a cordon-and-search operation in the Bandepara-Koranjed villages under the Madded police station’s jurisdiction. The operation resulted in the deaths of three men and two women from the tribal community.

Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., confirmed the recovery of five bodies from the scene, identifying them as Naxalites. The authorities are currently working to establish the identities of those killed.

This event follows a series of operations in the region that have resulted in the deaths of tribal individuals. On January 9, three tribals were killed in Sukma district, while on January 3, another tribal man was killed in Gariaband district.

The ongoing conflict in Chhattisgarh has also seen violent retaliations. On January 6, Naxalites detonated an IED in Bijapur district, resulting in the deaths of eight police personnel and a civilian driver.

In the past year, operations across Chhattisgarh have resulted in the deaths of 219 tribal members, highlighting the persistent violence in the region.