In yet another extreme leftwing rebel strike on Indian security forces, at least 11 paramilitary personnel were killed Wednesday in a landmine explosion in the eastern state of Jharkhand, a senior Indian Home Ministry official said.

"The blast took place in Serengda-Aruanga village in West Singhbhum district when a security patrol party was coming from a rebel-infested area after a two-day patrolling. While 11 personnel were killed on the spot, another six people sustained injuries in the blast," the official said.

Senior police officials have rushed to the spot and a combing operation has started to track down those responsible for the blast.

The extreme leftwing rebels, also known as Naxal insurgents, staged several high-profile attacks upon police and paramilitary forces during the general elections of India in April and May, killing at least 20 people.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2009)