31 Maoists, 2 Indian commandos killed in clashes in Central India

Indian security forces killed at least 31 Maoist rebels on Sunday in one of the deadliest clashes since the government ramped up efforts to crush the long-running insurgency.

Two Indian commandos were also killed in the battle, and two other security force members were wounded, police said.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the decades-long insurgency waged by the rebels, who say they are fighting for the rights of marginalised people in India’s resource-rich central regions.

“So far 31 dead bodies of the Maoists have been recovered,” senior police officer Sundarraj P told Agence France-Presse.

“Two security personnel are dead and two other security personnel are injured,” he said.

Reinforcements have been sent to the area, he said, warning that the death toll could rise as the police carry out search operations.