Indian government plans military action against Maoist rebels

In Nepal thousands of former Maoist rebels have blocked roads going into Kathmandu, the capital. They are protesting a governing coalition and say they want a debate on presidential powers in the parliament. The government has refused the demand. Last year, Maoists won the majority in Nepal's first democratic election, but the coalition collapsed in May.

Meanwhile, India's government is preparing a massive military operation against Maoist rebels across the country. The government calls the rebels, also known as the Naxallites, the largest internal threat to the country. But the Maoists claim to be fighting for the rights of India's tribal people and rural poor. The planned crackdown has drawn criticism - many say military action does not address the root causes of Maoist violence and will only complicate the problem. FSRN'S Bismillah Geelani has the story.