320 dead in Chhattisgarh since 'Salwa Judum' began

Raipur, July 27 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh government today admitted in the Assembly that 320 persons, including 48 security personnel, were slain in Maoist violence in South Bastar since Salwa Judum -- an anti-naxal campaign -- began in June last year.

Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam told Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Karma that 272 civilians and 48 personnel were killed in rebel violence from June 6, 2005 to June 30 this year.

During the period, 28 ultras were neutralised in police encounters while 127 extremists and members of sangam -- grassroots-level cadre of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) -- were arrested. As many as 2,402 sangam members surrendered.

''Seventeen relief camps have been set up in Dantewara district in which 52,659 persons have sought refuge. Those in the camps are being provided accommodation, food, medical facilities, education for children, technical training and other facilities,'' he added.

UNI JJ AC 1518