On way to play Holi, three killed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh village

They were residents of a shelter set up during the time of the Salwa Judum – a civil movement started in 2005 in which tribals were armed to fight Maoists, leading to displacement of several people.

According to police, people staying at the shelter in Basaguda were cautioned not to venture outside the police cover surrounding the shelter.

“All three were attacked with sharp weapons. Two were found with their throats slit and the third had a stab wound on his chest,” said an official.

The number of deaths related to Maoist violence has been climbing even as anti-Naxal operations have been stepped up. So far this year, 15 civilians have died in Maoist violence. Six security personnel and 31 Maoists have also been killed in the Left Wing Extremism incidents this year.