Documentary ‘Operation Kagar – The Final Warning’ examines state violence in Central India

By Harsh Thakor* 

On June 21, a memorial event was held at Lokayat, Ripon Street, Kolkata, in memory of those killed during Operation Kagar, including Basavraj. The gathering, attended by around 35 people, aimed to highlight ongoing struggles to protect land, water, forests, and resources in Central India, particularly in the context of state violence against Adivasi communities. The Revolutionary Students Front’s cultural wing made a presentation, and the documentary “Operation Kagar – The Final Warning” was screened.

The documentary, produced in Central India, focuses on Operation Kagar—a security operation widely alleged to have involved extrajudicial killings and displacement of indigenous people. The film examines its historical context and consequences, including its alleged role in intensifying militarisation, repression, and socio-political marginalisation of Adivasi communities. It includes testimonies from human rights activists, local leaders, and others, reflecting a range of perspectives, including those sympathetic to the Maoist movement.

The film investigates the use of aerial bombings, mining-related displacements, and suppression of protest under the guise of counterinsurgency. It draws connections between the operation and broader political trends, such as the expansion of Hindutva ideology and corporate influence, particularly in mineral-rich areas like Chhattisgarh.

The documentary includes interviews with activists like Bela Bhatia, who highlights constitutional violations and human rights abuses, and Sonu Sori, who discusses continuity of colonial-style oppression. Ravi Narla critiques the limited change in Adivasi conditions since independence.

The film also documents major protests, including the mass mobilisation at Silger, where 50,000 Adivasis demonstrated, as well as local resignations and village-level resistance. It explores allegations of fake surrenders, custodial killings, and the lack of rehabilitation for those coerced into surrendering under duress. The narrative suggests that police are sometimes incentivised for such operations, raising concerns about due process and accountability.

The documentary critiques the framing of dissenters as ‘urban Naxals’ and the use of laws like UAPA to silence opposition. It challenges the dominant state narrative by presenting Maoist demands for ceasefire and dialogue, suggesting the conflict is more than a law-and-order issue.

Overall, "Operation Kagar – The Final Warning" presents a perspective on the intersection of militarisation, corporate interests, and ideological shifts in Central India. It portrays the conflict as emblematic of deeper structural inequalities and the erosion of democratic space.

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*Freelance journalist