New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) condemned the killing of 18 persons early today by the Naxalites in the Errabore Relief Camp of Chhattisgarh by the Naxalites as “barbaric and crimes against humanity”.

“This is a deliberate attack and the Maoists have no excuses to make which they usually do after killing the innocent civilians. The culprits must be brought to justice.” – Stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of ACHR.

At least 460 persons including 90 security personnel, 189 alleged Naxalites and 181 civilians were killed in nine Naxalite-affected states during January – June 2006, stated ACHR in its latest issue of the “Naxal Conflict Monitor” released to the media today.

Majority of the killings have been reported from Chhattisgarh (222), which accounted for 48.25% of the killings, followed by Andhra Pradesh (66), Jharkhand (62), Maharashtra (42), Bihar (36), Orissa (16) and West Bengal (14). Out of these 460 persons, 225 were killed during the second quarter (April to June) of 2006. While the security forces have killed 105 alleged Naxals, the Naxalites have been responsible for the killing of 120 persons including 38 security forces, 75 civilians.

Commenting on the socio-economic development programmes announced by the States for countering the Naxals in its Naxal Conflict Monitor, ACHR stated “The issue has never been mere allocation of funds as Article 245(1) of the Constitution of India provided for undertaking such programmes. But little corrective measures have been taken to address mis-utilisation and diversion of funds of programmes such as Integrated Tribal Development Project as found by an evaluation of the Planning Commission”.

“The only visible economic development has been taking the war home through the recruitment of the locals into para-military and police forces.” – further stated Mr Chakma.

A high level meeting of the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of the Naxalite affected States is slated to be held in Bhuvaneshwar on 21 July 2006. ACHR urged the government of India not to involve the civilians in the conflict and ensure guarantees for physical safety and security. ACHR also urged to create a separate ministry to oversee the development of the Naxalite affected areas.