India: Maoist Hostage Train Secured 

2009-10-28 09:43

 

India's paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force, or CRPF, have secured the Indian train that was seized by Maoists in eastern West Bengal state on Tuesday.

One of the country's most prestigious passenger trains, was stopped when attackers demanded release of their leader.

[Witness]:
"We saw a lot of people who threw stones on the train. They held sticks and iron rods. We couldn't sense what's happening.”

Maoists are also reported to have released the two abducted train drivers.

India's Railway Minister says that a relief train had reached the spot and the CRPF personnel will escort the train to New Delhi.

Medical doctors are treating passengers who seemed petrified after the incident.

[Mamata Banerjee, Railway Minister]:
"The medical relief train has reached and CRPF is also there. CRPF will escort the train to Delhi. We are just waiting for the CRPF clearance. Any moment the train can start from that place. That train will be escorted by a pilot train from Jhargram.”

A group known as the "Committee of the Common People", claimed responsibility for the train attack.

Undeterred by the Maoists' actions, the state's chief minister remained firm, saying forces would not be withdrawn from Maoist hit areas.

Latest reports say the train has resumed it's journey, with CRPF armed guards mounted on the engine and wagons.