New Delhi, April 20 (ANI): Citizens Initiatives for Peace, an organisation which has prominent citizens as its members, has expressed it anguish over the recent killings of over 76 security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada District by Maoists and has suggested that the Government should take steps to avoid further escalation of violence.

At least 75 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and a police head constable were killed by the Maoists in the Makrana Forests of Chhattisgarh's Dantewada on April 06.

"The incident highlights the urgent necessity of reversing Operation Green Hunt. It has led to large-scale killings, atrocities and arrests of Adivasis (tribals) in the affected areas," stated the Citizens Initiatives for Peace in a release.

The Citizens Initiatives for Peace has expressed high concern over the alleged war hysteria that is being whipped up by, what it called , " vested interests".

"These vested interests are urging the governments, both at the Centre and in the affected States, to escalate Operation Green Hunt and raise it to a higher-level," it stated.

The Citizens Initiatives for Peace has exhorted the Government and Maoists to work towards ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and initiate dialogue to address the real issues affecting the people like food security, health and education as well as rights to land and resources.

It has urged the Government to restore civilian administration in the affected areas, compensate and rehabilitate all victims of violence, allow all political and social organisations to freely work in the area, and ensure access to individuals and groups to the places marked by hostility. (ANI)