PATNA, India — Maoist rebels on Sunday triggered a blast and exchanged gunfire with government forces in a central Indian state on the eve of legislative elections, police said. One suspected rebel was killed while a paramilitary officer was wounded in the violence in Chhattisgarh state, said top police officer D.M. Rebels have stepped up their attacks in the state ahead of state elections and have warned people against voting. On Thursday, rebels blew up a bus, killing three civilians and a paramilitary soldier in the state. The Maoist rebels, inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, have been fighting the Indian government for more than four decades, demanding land and jobs for tenant farmers, the poor and indigenous communities.

Source: National Post November 11, 2018 08:26 UTC