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Rediff.com  » News » Maoists have killed 137 civilians in 2010

Maoists have killed 137 civilians in 2010

Source: PTI
April 23, 2010 19:04 IST
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Maoists have killed 137 civilians since January, suspecting some as police informers and others for failing to pay extortion money or for minor issues.

"The situation in Maoists-hit states continues to be a cause of grave concern and the violence may go up in the coming days," an official said.

Those killed in the Maoist-hit states have been blamed for being police informers or failing to pay extortion money.

In 2009, 591 civilians fell prey to the Naxals, while 317 security personnel and 217 militants were also killed during the year in Maoist violence.

Maoists also have murdered 159 civilians between June and December 2009 in West Midnapore district in West Bengal.

There are 33 districts in eight states, which are greatly affected by Naxalism, apart from another 50 districts where the Maoists also have presence.

The extremists extort money to the tune of Rs 1,400 crore annually as they operate in mineral-rich areas where hundreds of industries are located, the official said.

Due to fear of attacks and in return of security from the Maoists, many of the industries, businessman, contractors and even some government officials in the Maoist-affected territories give extortion money to them, the official said.
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