Twenty-three soldiers killed in bomb attack in east India

NEW DELHI, Sunday (AFP) - Twenty-three paramilitary soldiers were killed Sunday in a blast triggered by suspected Maoist rebels in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh, local media quoted the state's home minister as saying.

"They used a powerful explosive and that is why the toll is so high," Arvind Vichar Netam, Chhattisgarh's home minister, was quoted as saying by Aajtak television channel.

He said the motive behind the attack was not clear.

Maoists have strongholds in at least five of India's 29 states including the eastern ones of Bihar, Jharkhand and Bihar.

They say they are battling for greater social and economic rights for indigenous tribes and landless farmers.

The three-decade-old conflict has claimed many thousands of lives.

New Delhi says left-wing rebels operating in India have ties with Maoist guerrillas in neighbouring Nepal who are fighting to overthrow the monarchy and install a communist republic.