Indian security forces gun down 10 armed rebels

Indian security forces gunned down at least 10 armed rebels, locally called "Naxals", in the central state of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, reported Xinhua, quoting a local policeman.

Among the slain armed rebels was Naxals' top commanded Modem Balkrishna. The encounter took place in the state's Gariaband area, located in Mainpur forest region.

According to local media reports, acting on intelligence, security forces launched an operation.

Over the past several decades, Naxals had been active in several Indian states. Claiming to be fighting for the rights of tribesmen living in remote forest areas, they mainly target government installations like police stations and other buildings, besides security personnel.