Wanton killing of civilians by alleged Maoists in Bihar condemned
New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights condemned the killing of at least 10 civilians and injuring of 12 others allegedly by the Maoists in an attack at Phulwaria village in Jamui district of Bihar on the night of 17 February 2010. The Maoists also set ablaze several houses in the village and abducted a number of villagers.
“The wanton killing of civilians cannot be justified under any circumstances and constitute acts of terrorism. These wanton killings also expose the real face of the Maoists.” - stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of the Asian Centre for Human Rights.
The Asian Centre for Human Rights further stated that the mass murder of innocent civilians at Phulwaria village in Jamui district of Bihar violates international humanitarian law especially the Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts. Since the Communist Party of India (Maoists) has recognized leadership structure, the leaders must be held accountable for such crimes.
The Asian Centre for Human Rights urged the Maoists to release the kidnapped victims.
The Asian Centre for Human Rights also urged the Bihar government to clarify the alleged extrajudicial killing of eight Maoists by the police on 1 February 2010. The Maoists had called a bandh on 17 February 2010 in five districts of Bihar namely Banka, Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger and Lakhisarai, to denounce the alleged killing of eight Maoists by police.
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