Latest update: 22/04/2009 

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Suspected Maoists hold at least 300 hostages
Suspected Maoists hold at least 300 hostages
Suspected Maoist rebels are holding at least 300 passengers hostage on a train in the state of Jharkhand, police sources say, as Indians vote in national general elections. The second stage of voting begins Thursday.

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AFP - Indian Maoist rebels are holding more than 300 passengers hostage on a train in the insurgency-hit state of Jharkhand, police said Wednesday, in the middle of national general elections.
   
"Rebels have the train in their control. We are preparing to rescue the people," police officer Sarvendu Thatagat told AFP.
   
The train has been held in Latehar district, which went to the polls in the first phase of elections on April 16, with further voting in the state to be held on Thursday.
   
At least 200 rebels swooped on the station, 140 kilometres (90 miles) from state capital Ranchi, police said.
   
India's Maoist insurgency, which grew out of a peasant uprising in 1967, has hit more than half of the country's 29 states.
   
The rebels, who use the forests of neighbouring Chhattisgarh as their base, say they are fighting for the rights of neglected tribal people and landless farmers.
 

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