LOC17:30
14:30 GMT
NEW DELHI , Oct 23 (KUNA) -- As many as six security personnel were killed
in a landmine explosion by Naxals in Indias northern state of Bihar at a time
the state is witnessing elections, reported the New Delhi Television (NDTV).
Naxals, also called Maoists, are a group of armed men who mainly target
state establishments and policemen for raising their demand for better
infrastructural facilities to the landless labourers in some of the Indian
states like Bihar, Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
and Orissa.
The incident occurred in the states Sheohar district. The dead security
personnel included four belonging to the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) and
two state police personnel.
According to the TV report, the attack could have been a result of the
intensive combing operations against the Naxalites by the Special Task Force
of Bihar police and the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force).
The attack also assumes significance even as it came a day after the
countrys Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh made some strong remarks against
Naxals violence. He had said India will not allow its authority to be
challenged. (end)
py.ajs
KUNA 231730 Oct 10NNNN