Three killed by Tripura rebels

By Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta

Three people have been killed by armed tribals in India's north-eastern state of Tripura, as tension rises over continued violence in the state.

Shoot-on-sight orders are in force in parts of Tripura and a curfew - in place since Wednesday - has been extended to control the situation.

Police said that armed tribals broke into the house of a Bengali villager at Dafadarpara in west Tripura and hacked three members of the family to death.

The house was then set on fire.

Violence

More than 10,000 people, mostly Bengalis, have been displaced in the region, due to arson attacks by tribal rebel groups.

Police said that more than 500 huts have been set on fire since Monday.

Troops have been called in but, despite their presence, sporadic incidences of arson were still being reported.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has appealed for calm and asked communities not to be provoked by militant elements.

The violence began after elections to Tripura's autonomous tribal areas were announced.

The elections are scheduled for 30 April and 3 May.