SRINAGAR: Development Will Counter Maoists: PM Manmohan, India plans to accelerate economic development across the country in an effort to counter the growing influence of Maoist rebels blamed for a series of recent attacks, the Indian prime minister said Thursday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government needed to solve the underlying problems that led to the poor in villages across central and southwest India to support extremist groups.

“There is an alienation of the people, especially in the tribal areas,” he said.

While India’s economy has steamed ahead, maintaining a growth of 8 to 10 percent constant over the last decade, much of rural India, where 70 percent of India’s population, still suffer lack of education and health, lack of potable water and have few employment opportunities.

The rebels, known as Naxalites, have been fighting the government for more than three decades in several states, demanding land and jobs for agricultural workers and the poor. They often target police and government officials, whom they accuse of colluding with landlords and rich farmers.

During the past month, the rebels have killed at least 40 people – including 21 paramilitary soldiers – seized an express train for several hours, government officials kidnapped and flown two schools in central and eastern India, the government said.

The government has ordered hundreds of paramilitary troops to be sent to some of the worst areas affected by rebel violence in an attempt to reinforce the local police.

Singh said the government would press ahead with its offensive against the rebels.

“Each State must maintain and enforce law and order,” he said, adding that strict laws against violence is “the precondition for any sustainable social and economic development.”

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs of India, nearly 6,000 people have died in rebel violence since 1996.