Eighteen Indian policemen have been killed and two seriously wounded when their truck was blown up by a land mine placed under a culvert by Maoist rebels in the east of the country. The attack occurred at Chakia, some 100km east of the Hindu town of Varanasi in the populous Uttar Pradesh state on Saturday. Chakia is near the border of neighbouring Bihar state where Maoist guerrillas, fighting for the rights of landless labourers and poor peasants, have a strong presence. "This is the first time the police [in Uttar Pradesh have been attacked in such a gruesome manner and we are not going to spare them [the guerrillas)," V K B Nair, Director General of Police, told reporters. "The two injured policemen are in critical condition." He said police reinforcements had been sent to Chakia and were scouring the area. Maoist fighters operate in southern and eastern India and often target police through ambushes and by planting landmines. They are also active in Nepal, which also borders both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. **PHOTO CAPTION*** India has told security chiefs to keep a close eye on peace talks between Maoist rebels and the government of a southern state. (AFP)