New Delhi/ Raipur: A controversy has erupted over the claims made by security forces that they had gunned down 20 Naxals during an encounter in Chhattisgarh on Friday. Activists allege that the Central Reserve Police Force (CPRF) team involved in the reported encounter killed innocent civilians and not Naxals.

Swami Agnivesh and Professor Haragopal who have often played mediators in hostage crises in the past claim that those killed were innocent adivasis and not Naxals.

“According to my information the people who died were innocent people. Those who are being named as Naxals are not Naxalites but Adivasis. Neither should the CRPF personnel shoot nor should the Naxalites,” claimed Swami Agnivesh in New Delhi on Saturday.

“It’s very unfortunate that this encounter has happened in Chhattisgarh. When we negotiated for the release of Collector Alex Paul Menon, we had asked the government not to resort to police actions the tribals in the area. I asked the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister that why he was giving away the mineral rich mines to MNC against the tribals wishes,” said Hargopal.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/crpf-killed-civilians-not-naxals-activists/268649-3.html