Indian security forces have shot dead 12 armed militants, locally called Naxalites, in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, a police source confirmed on Sunday, Xinhua reported.

Four security personnel were also injured in the clash between the two sides.

According to media reports, the clash between government forces and Naxalite militants took place in the forests of a national park in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.

The bodies of 12 Naxalites have been recovered, and an operation to hunt down more militants is underway, according to local police.

Chhattisgarh has emerged as a hotbed of Naxalite activity in India in the past few months.

Naxalites have been active in various Indian states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and other regions, for decades.

The Naxalites who claim to be fighting for the rights of local tribes, mainly attack security personnel and government institutions in an attempt to make their voices heard.