Hommam Al Nassim 
Indian authorities say police have killed at least 29 suspected Maoist insurgents in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, three days before the start of national elections.
The announcement followed an intelligence raid by police on the presence of Maoists in the Kanker area, which resulted in the injury of three members of the security forces in the exchange of fire, during which several weapons and ammunition were seized.
Indian forces view the Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalite, as a serious threat as they have been locked in an ongoing conflict with the government since 1967.
The militants demand more jobs, land, and wealth from natural resources, and are particularly active in Chhattisgarh, which is one of India’s poorest states despite its vast mineral wealth.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated his commitment to eradicating the insurgency in the state, calling it “the greatest enemy of development, peace and a bright future for young people.”
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