Dantewada

DANTEWADA - A string of attacks by Maoists at their will on state police, paramilitary forces and civilians around the 40,000 sq km Bastar region has led to a strong sense of insecurity among the people of Chhattisgarh who fear the rebels have established a firm grip in the forested interiors.

DANTEWADA - Exactly one week has passed since Maoists butchered 76 security personnel in the forests of Dantewada.

DANTEWADA - Hundreds of impoverished tribal families caught in the crossfire between security forces and Maoists in the vast forested terrain of Bastar are feeling traumatised, with many deserting their homes in anticipation of an intensified conflict.

DANTEWADA - The road to development has almost hit a dead end in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region with Maoist rebels holding up construction of rural roads and blowing up more than 200 school buildings, virtually bringing education in the region to a halt.