Six Maoists among seven killed in Chhattisgarh

At least seven people, including six Maoist guerrillas, were killed in the insurgency-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

At least seven people, including six Maoist guerrillas, were killed in the insurgency-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, police said.

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In a joint raid by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police on a training camp of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) at Bhairamgarh area, 480 km south of capital Raipur, the rebels were killed on the spot.

"Forces surrounded a war camp of the rebels in forested belt of Bhairamgarh and fired over 150 rounds of bullets to destroy the camp. At least six rebels were killed on the spot while three others were arrested," Inspector General TJ Longkumer said.

Longkumer said the rebels had killed a tribal man in Bijapur in same district on Wednesday for his links with the anti-Maoist movement Salwa Judum (Campaign for Peace).

The rebels carried the bodies of their comrades to nearby forests.

Maoists, who claim fighting for landless farmers and poor peasants, have killed at least 180 civilians, mostly tribal villagers, since January in the state.