International conspiracy behind Maoist activities in India: Chhattisgarh CM

Raipur, Apr.1 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh believes there is an international conspiracy behind Maoist activities in India, and adds that the motive is to destabilise and weaken the country economically.

Speaking at a function here, Singh said: "It (Maoists) is an international conspiracy that in areas, where there are mines, minerals and precious natural resources are found, they are finding ways to spread instability and terror to deviate the country from the main stream, so that the country becomes economically weak and is not able to make use of those resources."

"The red corridor, which we talk about in the Indian map, is economically rich corridor but they are trying to weaken the country and locals are being used as scapegoats," he added.

Singh also unveiled a book on Maoist movement.

The Maoist insurgency has gripped nearly a third of the country in its violent tentacles, spreading into the interiors of 20 of India's 28 states. This comes despite strong measures initiated by the federal government in eradicating the ultras.

Singh added that the arms and ammunitions used by the rebels are not manufactured in the states, in which they are operating; they are being supplied arms from outside.

"The arms, which are available with them (Maoists), are neither made in Bastar or Chhattisgarh or Maharashtra. They are connected with the international terrorism and these are the main centers of their survival. There focus is to make this country instable and to recruit poor and illiterate people into their groups," added Singh.

The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of the poor marginal farmers and landless labourers and stage ambushes in the swathe of eastern and central India in which they have a strong presence.

The rebels draw recruits from tribal communities, which are often desperately poor and in areas where the state has little presence. Hundreds die each year in violence linked to the insurgency. (ANI)