Maoist violence due to factional feuds

NEW DELHI, June 12 (UPI) -- India said Maoist violence has increased because of factional feuds rather than confrontations with security forces in the country.

Federal Interior Minister Shivraj Patil has attributed the rise in extremist-related incidents in Jharkhand to an increase in factional feuds rather than direct confrontations with security forces or civilians.

He told a news conference after touring Maoist-infested Daltongunj and Chatra towns of eastern Jharkhand state that like in Nagaland, factional fights between militant groups were on the rise in Jharkhand, too.

On the possibility of a dialogue between armed rebels and the government, the minister said talks were possible if all sides agreed to it. He said the number of police stations and personnel in Naxalite-affected areas would be increased. Patil said the police would be given sophisticated arms and better training. Maoists are described as Naxalites in Indian context.

While praising security forces for their role in combating insurgency, Patil said they are trying to do their best. The morale of the security forces is high. People thinking of grabbing power by the barrel of a gun would never succeed, as Indian society seeks peaceful existence.

He ruled out the possibility of Maoists building up an international organization in the backdrop of the development in Nepal. Patil said states should have their own surrender policy and Jharkhand could also have one.

"The center has been giving financial assistance to states to curb extremism, and will also assist in whatever way the states ask for," he said.