New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights today condemned the killing of over 30 innocent tribals and injuring of equal numbers by the Naxalites at Darmagura village under Arabore police station of Dantewara district in Chhattisgarh yesterday i.e. 28 February 2006 as an act of "terror" and demanded to bring the culprits to justice. About 100 villagers were returning from Errapore to Konta in two trucks when the Maoists triggered a landmine blast on the vehicle near Darphaguda. The actual figures of death and wounded are yet to be ascertained.

"Such senseless killings by the Naxalites are acts of terrorism and violate the basic principles of international humanitarian laws. Nothing can justify such killings." - stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

The victims were returning after participating in the ongoing state-sponsored anti-Naxal drive called Salwa Judum or March of Peace.

Commenting on the Salwa Jadum, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated, "The Salwa Jadum has started a virtual civil war in Chattisgarh and increased the risks of the civilians without any guarantees for safety and security. The State government of Chattisgarh has a positive responsibility to protect the right to life of the citizens and must not knowingly increase their risks to violations of the right to life." - Stated Mr Suhas Chakma.

Asian Centre for Human Rights urged the State government of Chattisgarh not to further risk the right to life of the innocent tribals by stopping Salwa Jadum and to bring the culprits to justice.