India: 17 people murdered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh
The old Indian State and reactionary media are spreading news of a new massacre committed in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. Allegedly 17 Maoist guerrilla members were killed in a series of armed clashes. Only four paramilitaries would be injured. The information is currently uncertain and limited. This massacre occurs few days after some others that led to the murder of dozens of people, also in Chhattisgarh:
What actually happened is still unclear, as it happened with these previous massacres in Bijapur and Kanker, because the old Indian State and its media are propagating the idea that this was a battle or a series of armed clashes between Maoist guerrillas and the Indian repressive forces. But once more, we remind that the fake encounters and the murders of poor peasants, indigenous people, activists and journalists are frequent in India. The murdered civilians are placed in a manipulated scene and their bodies are covered with weapons and guerrilla clothing. This is a usual modus operandi of the old Indian State. So far, we cannot verify if the 17 victims were murdered under these same circumstances or if it was actually a combat. For example last year the old Indian State announced a “victory” in which numerous guerrilla members were killed, but shortly after, it was proved that 17 Maoists were captured unarmed, injured, tortured and murdered in cold blood:
The massacres caused within the framework of the infamous and genocidal Operation Kagaar have led to protests by many organizations, such as Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), Forum Against Corporatization and Militarization (FACAM), People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and many others, which are standing out against the injustices committed against the poor peasants, indigenous peoples and popular masses of India.
We recommend you read some of the statements made regarding these fake encounters and massacres committed by the old Indian State. One of the most recent crimes was committed in Tolimeta, Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. FACAM issued a statement that we shared:
