the people's war group (pwg) intensified its attacks against politicians, police officers, and land and business owners in response to a july ban imposed on the group by the andhra pradesh government. the government responded by tightening security, allegedly ordering attacks on suspected pwg members by state police and the "green tigers". police forces continued to have virtual impunity for the killing of pwg rebels during police encounters. the maoist communist center rebels intensified their armed campaign against indian security forces following the killing of their leader by police in december. an estimated 140 people were killed in fighting between the pwg and government forces throughout the year. according to government reports, 482 people have died during the conflict in 2002.