The central Indian state of Chhattisgarh has banned Maoist rebel groups. This was in response to the recent death of 24 policemen from a Maoist mine, and a year of failed attempts at negotiating with the Maoists. The rebels want to establish a communist government, by force if neccessary, in order to address the needs of the poor.
Three Pakistani security officials were shot dead in North Waziristan, near the Afghan border, when they tried to enforce a ban on openly carrying assault rifles in public places.