Maoist rebels trigger blast ahead of Indian polls, 10 killed

May 6, 2009, 11:20 GMT

   New Delhi - At least 10 people including two troopers were killed by a landmine triggered by Maoist rebels in India's central state of Chhattisgarh Wednesday, a day ahead of the penultimate phase of the country's elections, a news report said.

   The attack occurred in a village in the southern Bastar region the PTI news agency reported. Insurgents blew up a vehicle carrying civilians and two members of the Central Reserve Police Force.

   Most of the victims died on the spot. Among the dead were also four so-called special police officers, locals designated to closely coordinate with police and security forces in counter-insurgency operations.

   Voting in the month-long staggered general elections has concluded in most states affected by the Maoist insurgency, the states of Bihar and West Bengal, which are also hit by Maoist attacks, go to polls on Thursday.

   The final phase of voting will be held on May 13 and results are expected three days later.

   According to government officials, the Maoists, who are against parliamentary democracy and are fighting to establish a communist state, are active in 13 of India's 29 states.

   More than 30 people have been killed in Maoist attacks across India during the month-long Indian elections. Seventeen people including police, soldiers, polling officials and civilians were killed in political violence the first day of voting on April 16.