Four killed in Maoist landmine blast in Chhattisgarh - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

At least four people were killed when suspected Maoist rebels blew up a truck by triggering a landmine blast in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday. The incident occurred between Kerlapal and Sukma police stations. Police said they were anticipating such attacks and have toned up security arrangements across the state as the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) is observing week-long anniversary celebrations from December 2-8 of its military wing, the People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA). On Saturday, the suspected Maoist torched a forest rest house in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. The attackers, who were around 300 in number, set the furniture and furnishings of the rest house on fire at Khallari village after threatening the guard. Maoists have stepped up violence across eastern and central India. The insurgents have attacked schools and police stations, and used landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to disrupt infrastructure development projects. They have also hijacked passenger trains including the prestigious super fast Rajdhani Express, beheaded policemen and suspected informers and attacked employees of mining companies. Thousands have been killed during the Maoist insurgency, which began in the late 1960s, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the Maoist threat one of the gravest homegrown threats to India's internal security. The rebels claim they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers.