Suspected Indian rebels kill 6 police; security tightened in Bihar

Sat, 23 Oct 2010

New Delhi - Security was tightened across the eastern Indian state of Bihar Saturday after six policemen died in a blast triggered by suspected Maoist rebels, news reports said.

A hidden mine targeted a police vehicle over a small bridge in Bihar's Sheohar district, the IANS news agency reported.

The blast came two days after a six-phase, monthlong electoral process to choose the state legislative assembly began.

The second phase was due to be held Sunday, and security was increased across the state after the explosion, police said.

"Combing operations were intensified," Bihar's additional director general of police PK Thakur was quoted as saying. "Security has been tightened to give a sense of confidence among people a day ahead of polls following the Maoist strike."

More than one-third of India's 626 administrative districts are affected by the insurgency, which has left more than 990 people dead since January.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/350021,police-security-tightened-bihar.html.