I am no expert on Maoist violence but as a young reporter trying to venture into such spaces, I realise that naxal (maoist, as spoken in hindi) influence would not see a conclusion soon because as a country we have not been able to work toward a solution...with the belief that using state force is the best option.
As left wing extremism escalates in Bihar, the poor and the innocent are often caught in the crossfire. Loss of life is the biggest, and most easily forgotten, sacrifice this country is making.
I managed to speak to some passengers onboard the intercity express that was attacked by Maoists on 13 June 2013 in Bihar's Jamui district. Revelations of survivors are significant and raises several questions about the scenario's idealism.
http://www.timesnow.tv/Maoists-attack-train-in-Bihar/videoshow/4429730.cms
Between the claims of Red extremists and security forces... the poor and the helpless brave the bullet. Whose bullet that is, we shall never know.
***claims made by injured passengers, survivors
1. Firing went on for one hour and primarily targeted at Railway Police Force jawans and their ammunition.
2. 20-25 were women (female Maoist cadre) and many were teenagers, children.
3. The attackers were over 100 in number
4. Passengers had no space to flee so lay beneath/under their compartment berths and witnessed other passengers being shot in the head.
...P.S- In all this mayhem, I applaud the work done by doctors at local government hospitals especially in lakhisarai and other districts in Bihar. They rushed in their emergency units and tried their best to provide basic aid, while simultaneously trying to manage hassled survivors and curious onlookers...
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