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| Indian Maoists free seized train | Indian Maoists free seized train |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Maoist rebels who seized a train carrying several hundred passengers in eastern India have released them, police say. | Maoist rebels who seized a train carrying several hundred passengers in eastern India have released them, police say. |
| Up to 250 rebels took over the train as it travelled through Jharkhand state and forced it to stop in a remote town. | Up to 250 rebels took over the train as it travelled through Jharkhand state and forced it to stop in a remote town. |
| They held the passengers for a short time but then withdrew. A Maoist spokesman there was no plan to cause harm and it was a symbolic gesture. | They held the passengers for a short time but then withdrew. A Maoist spokesman there was no plan to cause harm and it was a symbolic gesture. |
| It came a day before the second round of voting in India's general election. | It came a day before the second round of voting in India's general election. |
| The rebels have asked people to boycott the polls, which are taking place until 13 May. | The rebels have asked people to boycott the polls, which are taking place until 13 May. |
| At least 17 people were killed in attacks blamed on Maoists during the first stage of the election last week. | At least 17 people were killed in attacks blamed on Maoists during the first stage of the election last week. |
| Jungle retreat | |
| The train was seized at 0830 local time (0300 GMT) as it passed through a remote part of the state. | |
| Just over three hours later the Maoists freed the hostages and retreated back into the jungle, police told the BBC. | |
| A Maoist spokesman, Gopal, told the BBC: "This was a symbolic gesture, no intention to cause harm to passengers and anyway it is very hot here." | |
| The hostage-takers were reportedly protesting against the death of five villagers allegedly shot by troops last week. | The hostage-takers were reportedly protesting against the death of five villagers allegedly shot by troops last week. |
| The troops said the five were local Maoists, who were killed during a clash following an attack in which two soldiers died. | The troops said the five were local Maoists, who were killed during a clash following an attack in which two soldiers died. |
| Maoists operate in 182 districts in India, mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal. | Maoists operate in 182 districts in India, mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal. |
| This is not the first time rebels have seized a train in the area. In March 2006 they seized a train in Latehar, also in Jharkhand, taking many hostages - but freed them 12 hours later. | |
| Jharkhand is rich in minerals and forest resources, but its people are among the poorest in India. The rebels have a presence in 18 of the state's 22 districts. | |
| The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of poor peasants and landless workers. | The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of poor peasants and landless workers. |
| Are you in the Jharkand? Have you been affected by this incident or by the earlier rebel attacks in the area? Send us your comments using the form below. | Are you in the Jharkand? Have you been affected by this incident or by the earlier rebel attacks in the area? Send us your comments using the form below. |
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