India - Italian tourists 'abducted by Maoist rebels' in the state of Orissa in the east

Published on Mar 18, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Two Italian tourists have reportedly been kidnapped by Maoist rebels in India. TV reports say they were taken in the state of Orissa in the east of the country.

The group holding them said their safety would depend on how the state goverment responded to the Maoists' demands submitted last year.

The area around Kandhamal is inhabited by vulnerable tribes. The state government had recently sought to restrict access to tourist groups by making them obtain advance permission.

The men are said to have been taking photos of Indian women bathing in a river.

Maoist rebels have been active in the region for more than 40 years. They claim to defend minority rights.