NEW : In 2008 , 1,591 Maoist rebel attacks killed 721 people , government officials say . At least 24 paramilitary troops and a civilian were killed in armed attack . The army said the attackers had been "neutralised" after they fired on security forces who responded with live ammunition. District official says Indian troops retaliated with fire , two attackers apparently died . Maoists have claimed since the 1960s to be fighting for the dispossessed .
NEW : At least 24 paramilitary troops and a civilian were killed in armed attack . The army said the attackers had been "neutralised" after they fired on security forces who responded with live ammunition. District official says Indian troops retaliated with fire , two attackers apparently died . Maoists have claimed since the 1960s to be fighting for the dispossessed .