PATNA: Dozens of suspected Maoist rebels fired at a passenger train passing through their stronghold in eastern India, injuring two people, police said.
Police officer Abhyanand, who uses only one name, said the attackers fled to a forested area Thursday after security guards on the train fired back near Jamui, a town about 230 kilometres southeast of Patna, the Bihar state capital.
Amir Subhani, a state official, said at least two people were seriously injured in the attack in a stronghold of rebels who have been fighting in several Indian states for over 40 years.
They are considered India's gravest internal security threat and claim inspiration from Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. They demand land and jobs for impoverished tribal communities they say are ignored by the government.