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2nd LD Writethru: Modi warns left-wing rebels as 200 villagers taken hostage in central India

Xinhua, May 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said that violence has no future, in a stern message to left-wing Naxalite rebels who took more than 200 villagers hostage just hours ahead of his rally in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

The state authorities said that the villagers, all supporters of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were taken hostage by the left-wing rebels near Jiram valley late on Friday night in order to prevent them from attending Modi's rally in Dantewada district this morning.

However, the Indian Prime Minister, who was in Chhattisgarh to inaugurate two development projects, including a key rail link to the Naxal-infested Bastar region and a steel plant in the district, went ahead with his rally.

"Violence has no future. If there is a future, it is in peace. Do not get disappointed. Even Naxal activities will be fought. I am sure that humanity exists in people who indulge in such activities and they will change," Modi said.

He added: "The fruits of development must reach the poorest of the poor and jobs for the youth are at the core of our policies. Chhattisgarh has the power to change the future of India."

A massive operation has been launched by the Indian security forces to rescue the hostages from the clutches of the Naxalites, a police official said. Endi