Maoists block highway in Chhattisgarh

Dantewara (Chhattisgarh), Dec 25 (ANI): Maoists blocked a National Highway in Dantewara region of Chhattisgarh on Thursday to protest the Operation 'Green Hunt'anti- launched by security forces.

The rebels felled down trees and dug up the roads at several places on the NH-221.

The road blockade crippled traffic, leaving several trucks and buses stranded.

The Maoists also pasted several bills warning the police.

The Maoist violence-estimated to cause 600 to 700 deaths annually and the displacement 100,000 civilians-has spread to 182 of India"s 602 districts and has been declared as the country"s single biggest internal security challenge.

The Maoists have stepped up violence across eastern and central India.

The main objective of the Maoists is to prevent the development of infrastructure in remote areas, which so far has remained their exclusive domain.

The Maoists claim they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers, but they are fast losing credibility as they continue attacking schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects. (ANI)