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15 Instances Of Maoist/Naxal Supporters Crying Foul About Modi Govt’s Operation Kagar Eliminating Naxals

June 5, 2025
The Commune

The Communist Party of India (CPI), through its General Secretary D. Raja, has issued a strong condemnation of Operation Kagar, the Indian government’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign targeting Maoist strongholds in central and eastern India. The criticism follows a particularly deadly phase of the operation in Chhattisgarh, where several senior Maoist leaders and a number of local tribals were reportedly killed between May 18 and 21, 2025.

D. Raja voiced his concern on 21 May 2025, calling the killings a “brutal misuse of state power” and warning that such actions risk alienating the very communities the state claims to protect. He accused the government of “militarising tribal regions” and undermining constitutional rights in the name of national security.

What Is Operation Kagar?

Launched in January 2024, Operation Kagar is a multi-phase counter-insurgency campaign initiated by the Indian government. Its stated objective is to eliminate Maoist (Naxalite) influence from the so-called “Red Corridor”—a region spanning parts of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and other states.

The operation aims to complete Maoist eradication by March 2026, combining military offensives with development schemes in affected regions. However, critics argue that the operation has increasingly blurred the lines between targeting armed insurgents and violating civil liberties of indigenous populations.

The CPI’s latest statements suggest a growing political backlash against what they view as state violence disguised as national security.

This report compiles xx instances made between May 21 and May 23, all sharply critical of the operation. The CPI’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter) was particularly active, denouncing what it described as “extrajudicial killings” and a “war on the poor.” The reactions came not just from India, but also from Pakistan, China, and Turkey!

#1 CPI Condemns ‘Extrajudicial Killings’ In Chhattisgarh

On 21 May 2025, CPI General Secretary D. Raja strongly condemned the killing of a senior Maoist leader and several Adivasis in Chhattisgarh, calling it a ‘cold-blooded and extrajudicial’ act. He alleged that this was, yet another instance of state violence carried out under the pretext of counterinsurgency operations. The CPI criticized the government’s repeated use of force against tribal populations and demanded accountability for the incident. Raja emphasized that such actions violate democratic norms and human rights, urging for an immediate and independent investigation into the killings to ensure justice for the victims.

#2 CPI(ML) Red Star Condemns Killing Of Maoist Leader Keshav Rao

On 21 May 2025, the CPI(ML) Red Star issued a strong condemnation of the killing of CPI(Maoist) General Secretary Comrade Kambala Keshav Rao and other Maoist activists in Narayanpur-Bijapur. Calling it a calculated and brutal act by the “fascist double engine” regime, the party accused the state of carrying out mass ‘extrajudicial killings’ under Operation Kagar, despite the Maoists’ offer for peace talks. The statement denounced the government’s alleged prioritization of corporate interests over Adivasi rights, linking the killings to forest exploitation and accusing the regime of pursuing a violent, anti-people agenda.

#3 CPI(M) Slams Government Over Killing Of 27 Maoists In Chhattisgarh

On May 22, 2025, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau condemned the killing of 27 Maoists, including General Secretary Nambala Kesavarao, in Chhattisgarh. The party criticized the BJP-led Centre and State governments for rejecting repeated Maoist appeals for dialogue, calling the policy of annihilation inhuman and undemocratic. Statements by the Union Home Minister and Chhattisgarh CM, rejecting peace talks, were termed fascistic. CPI(M) reiterated its opposition to Maoist ideology but urged the government to halt paramilitary operations and immediately respond to calls for dialogue, aligning with appeals from various political groups and concerned citizens for a peaceful resolution.

#4 CPI(ML) Condemns ‘Extra-Judicial Killings’ Under Operation Kagar

On 21 May 2025, the CPI(ML) Liberation strongly condemned the ‘extra-judicial killing’ of CPI(Maoist) General Secretary Keshav Rao and several Maoist activists and Adivasis in Narayanpur-Bijapur. The party criticized the Union Home Minister’s celebratory remarks, claiming they expose Operation Kagar as a state-led extermination campaign targeting citizens under the guise of anti-Maoist action. CPI(ML) asserted that the operation is being used to suppress Adivasi resistance against corporate exploitation and militarization. The Central Committee demanded a judicial probe into the killings and an immediate halt to military operations, especially after the Maoists had declared a unilateral ceasefire.

#5 Communist Workers Circle Condemns Killing Of CPI (Maoist) Leader

On 23 May 2025, the Communist Workers Circle (CWC) issued a statement mourning the death of Comrade Basavaraj, born Nambala Keshav Rao, the General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist). The organisation said it grieves the loss and celebrates the life of Basavaraj, who was killed along with 26 others in what it described as “a cowardly act of terrorism by the Indian state.” The CWC praised Basavaraj’s lifelong commitment to revolutionary politics and anti-imperialist struggle and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Maoist cause, calling his death part of a broader campaign to suppress people’s resistance.

#6 Hansraj Meena Calls For ‘Justice And Dialogue’ In Chhattisgarh Conflict

On 23 May 2025, environmental activist Hansraj Meena commented on the ongoing anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, stating that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed. He said people often turn to Naxalism when the government seizes tribal lands, destroys forests, and ignores the voices of indigenous communities. According to Meena, for some, taking up arms becomes a last resort. He asserted that if the government truly wants a long-term solution, it must first create conditions for justice and meaningful dialogue with affected communities instead of relying solely on military action.

#7 Journalist Hüseyin Doğru Criticizes Indian Offensive In Chhattisgarh

On 22 May 2025, journalist and former Redstreamnet founder Hüseyin Doğru described the recent anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh as a “brutal military campaign” by Indian forces. He stated that 27 Maoists were killed, including Basava Raju, General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist) and head of its armed wing. Doğru emphasized Raju’s long involvement in guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and intelligence operations, highlighting his key roles in the Politburo, Central Committee, and the editorial board of Awam-e-Jung. He called the incident a major escalation in what he described as India’s ongoing war on Maoist communists.

#8 Pakistani Advocate Calls Maoist Terrorist Death “A Symbol Of Resistance”

On 22 May 2025, Pakistani advocate Afshan Awan commented on the killing of Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, by Indian forces. She said that Rao, once an engineer, had given up a comfortable life to stand with Adivasis and Dalits against caste violence, land dispossession, and state oppression. According to Awan, his death was not due to any crime, but for resisting a system rooted in inequality. She claimed that in India, defending the oppressed is labelled terrorism, while systemic violence continues unchecked. Awan concluded that the revolution Rao stood for still lives on.

#9 Anonymous Pakistani Handle Calls Basavaraju’s Death a Blow to Marginalized Voices

On 22 May 2025, a Pakistani social media user with the name “Tweeety” reacted to the death of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, who was killed by Indian security forces in Chhattisgarh. Tweeety said that Basavaraju had become a prominent voice for marginalized communities and that while the government celebrated the operation as a major success, many viewed it as the loss of a leader who stood for justice, dignity, and resistance to entrenched inequality. According to the post, Basavaraju’s legacy would continue to inspire ongoing struggles for tribal rights and social justice.

#10 AISA Demands Probe Into ‘Extra-Judicial Killings’ In Bastar

On 21 May 2025, the AISA unit at CUJ Ranchi strongly condemned what it described as the “cold-blooded, extra-judicial killing” of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Keshav Rao and other Maoist activists and Adivasis in the Narayanpur-Bijapur region. In a statement, AISA claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s celebratory post confirmed that Operation Kagar was being used as a state-led extermination campaign. The group accused the government of using anti-Maoist operations to suppress Adivasi resistance to corporate exploitation. AISA called on all justice-loving citizens to demand a judicial probe and an immediate halt to the ongoing military campaign.

#11 Social Media Handle Mourns Maoist Leader, Praises Role In Attacks Against BJP Leaders

On 21 May 2025, a social media account operating under the name “Muppala Rao”—believed to be mimicking Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathy, a prominent Maoist leader—posted a tribute mourning the death of Maoist terrorist Nambala Kesava Rao. In the post, the handle described Rao as a Central Committee and Politburo member and claimed he would “live on in the hearts of Adivasis, Dalits, and other backward castes.”

The same account has previously expressed support for Naxalites, including celebrating the 2023 killing of BJP leader Sagar Sahu, calling it an act of resistance “against fascism.”

#12 Namasthe Telangana News Bureau Chief Pays Tribute To Terrorist Nambala Keshava Rao

On 21 May 2025, Voruganti Satish, Chief of News Bureau at Namasthe Telangana, issued a statement saluting Comrade Nambala Keshava Rao. He expressed deep respect for Rao’s unwavering commitment to the people’s struggle, describing him as a legendary revolutionary leader whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Satish emphasized that the memory and spirit of the comrade’s revolutionary efforts remain alive, honoring Rao’s enduring impact on social justice movements. The statement highlighted the lasting influence of Rao’s dedication to the cause of marginalized communities.

#13 Dr. Cheruku Sudhakar Calls for Peaceful Dialogue in Maoist Conflict

On May 21, 2025, Dr. Cheruku Sudhakar, a Telangana-based activist, doctor, politician, described Nambala Keshava Rao as a ‘relentless fighter’ for the oppressed who died while receiving medical care in Odisha. He criticized the Indian government’s celebration of the killing of a political leader, questioning if any democratic system condones such acts. Sudhakar highlighted Rao’s educated background and efforts to pursue peace talks despite being outlawed. He urged for immediate dialogue with the Maoist party to achieve democratic transformation and peaceful development in Dandakaranya and forest regions. He warned that one-sided violence against Maoists and Adivasis amounts to ‘genocide’, likening it to the situation in Gaza.

#14 Chinese Chunqiao Publications Mourns Death Of CPI (Maoist) Leader Basavaraju

On 21 May 2025, Chunqiao Publications posted on their X handle that Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Comrade Basavaraju, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), was killed in a combing operation by District Reserve Guard units in the Abujhmad region. They described him as a revolutionary who joined the armed struggle in the 1970s, studied engineering at REC Warangal, and rose to become the party’s second General Secretary in 2018 after Comrade Ganapathy’s resignation. Police claimed that 26 Maoists, including Basavaraju, were killed and released photos of his body from the encounter. The post read, “General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), Nambala Keshava Rao, more commonly known as Comrade Basavraj, has been Martyred in Abujhmad Region — 2025.5.21. Rest in power Comrade Basavraj! Comrade Basavaraju (also known as Gaganna), the second General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), was born as Nambala Keshava Rao on July 10, 1955, in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. He held a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Regional Engineering College (REC) in Warangal. Comrade Basavaraju actively joined the revolutionary movement in the 1970s and was arrested in 1980 due to a conflict with the right-wing student organization Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). After his release, he joined the People’s War Group of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and formally participated in the armed revolutionary struggle. In 2004, after the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), Comrade Basavaraju served as the Secretary of the party’s Central Military Commission. In 2018, following the resignation of the party’s first General Secretary Comrade Ganapathy (now 73 years old) due to health reasons, Comrade Basavaraju became the second General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist). 2025.5.21: The District Reserve Guard (DRG) units from four districts—Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon—jointly launched a combing operation in the Abujhmad region. During this operation, police claimed that 26 Maoist members were killed, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), Basavaraju. The police also released photos of Basavaraju’s body from the battle scene.”

#15 Filipino Handle Expresses Solidarity With Maoists

On 21 May 2025, a social media handle from the Philippines named “jinkydoo” expressed solidarity with the Maoists following the killing of Comrade Keshav Rao and other activists. They called for justice for Keshav Rao and the Adivasis in Narayanpur-Bijapur. Along with their message of support, “jinkydoo” shared the statement issued by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), condemning the operation.

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