Congress joins protest against 'Operation Kagar' killings in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Congress has joined forces with various organisations to protest killings carried out under 'Operation Kagar,' India's largest counter-insurgency operation aimed at eliminating Maoists.

In Hyderabad on Tuesday, Congress Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi and Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, along with other Congress leaders, participated in a 'Maha Dharna' organized by the Shanti Charchala Committee (Peace Talks Committee) to protest the killings being conducted by the central government under Operation Kagar.

The Shanti Charchala Committee organized this demonstration to express strong objections against the Centre's approach. The protest aimed to create public awareness about what organizers describe as inhumane actions taken under the guise of Operation Kagar and to send a clear message to the central government, committee members said.

The demonstration saw participation from leaders of the ruling Congress party, Left parties, BRS intellectuals, and representatives from various people's organizations.

MP Mallu Ravi stated that the Indian government should immediately halt what he termed the genocide of tribals and the civil war being conducted under the name "Operation Kagar" in Bastar. He demanded implementation of rights granted to tribals under the PESA Act and the 5th Schedule of the Constitution, an immediate ceasefire declaration, and the initiation of peace talks with Maoists. He emphasized that problems can only be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

The protest programme passed a resolution demanding the Centre immediately stop Operation Kagar and initiate peace talks with the Maoists.

Earlier in the first week of June, TPCC chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud strongly criticized 'Operation Kagar,' calling it a move that undermines the spirit of the Constitution. Speaking at a round-table conference organized by the Peace Talks Committee in the city, he accused the Centre of committing excesses under the pretext of addressing law-and-order issues rather than exploring peaceful solutions to address Naxalism.

Reiterating the Congress party's commitment to non-violence, Goud stated that the party condemns all forms of violence.

Participating in the Maha Dharna BRS MLC Dr Dasoju Sravan Kumar, came down heavily on the Central Government.

Calling it a blatant violation of human rights, Dr Sravan said, “To us, this is nothing but ‘Operation Corporate Grab.’ This is a premeditated assault—targeting Adivasis, their livelihood, their lands, and natural resources—disguised as a security operation.

This is a coordinated and systematic state aggression, and it stands in direct violation of the Constitution and of basic human decency.”

He added that BRS’s stand is clear and uncompromising. “Our leader K Chandrashekar Rao has already made the party’s position crystal clear at the Warangal Sabha—unconditional ceasefire and immediate dialogue. That remains the official position of the BRS Party.

We are firmly committed to peaceful and democratic solutions. But if this government continues to suppress the people with the power of guns, let it be known—we in the opposition will not remain silent. We are fully prepared to wage a strong political and moral battle to defend the Constitution and protect the Adivasis.”