Jharkhand, India: Maoists Attack Passenger Train, Kills Two
2009-11-20 11:18
Eight of the ten coaches of this passenger train have been derailed in a Maoist attack on Thursday in India’s eastern Jharkhand state.
[Manoj Kumar Mishra, Dep. Inspector General of Police, Kolhan]:
“This incident will have a big impact on the common masses, and it will definitely make a dent in the popularity of these people (Maoists).”
The injured were ferried in another train to a nearby hospital in the neighboring Orissa state.
India’s railway minister has appealed to the rebels to stop attacking public transport and hurting the common people.
[Mamta Banerjee, Indian Railway Minister]:
"Poor people of our country travel in it, common masses also travel, so I would like to appeal to everybody please do not disturb the trains and let the people travel safely. And we will take up the issue in the Home Ministry.”
The rebels have ignored repeated calls to renounce violence and negotiate. Instead, they have stepped up their attacks in recent months, resulting in a government offensive against them.
The Maoist rebellion began four decades ago and has now spread to about 20 of India's 29 states. The rebels often target police and government property in hit-and-run attacks.
