The influence and dominance of the Naxalites has spread throughout the land. The number of districts affected by Naxalism increased from 55 in 2003 to 195 in 2009, with the result that over a third of India's territory is dominated by Naxalites (according to one estimate, over 40,000 square km in the country is dominated by Naxalites). The area infested by Naxalites is also called the Red Corridor. The map below shows areas under different levels of Naxalite influence. An analysis of the number of Naxalite-related incidents indicates that the threat has gradually grown in the affected states. Please refer to Charts 2 and 3 for Naxalite-related incidents from 2004 to 2008 in Naxalite-affected states. The graph above shows the number of Naxalite-related incidents from 2004 to 2008 in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Orissa. In Andhra Pradesh, where security forces have managed to repel the Naxalites, Naxalite-related incidents have been declining since 2006. In other states the situation remains constant or increasing. Chhattisgarh is the most Naxalite-hit state in the country, followed by Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Urban Penetration The threat of Naxalites has been gradually growing in urban areas. The Naxalites are believed to be in the process of establishing bases comprising sleeper cells and front organisations, in and around Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. According to media sources, the ninth Unity Congress of the CPI (Maoist), held in February 2007, had decided to take their struggle to urban areas. Similarly, documents seized in Chhattisgarh have revealed that Naxalites are expanding into urban areas by building front organisations... middle of paper... attempting to infiltrate any protest, agitation or demonstration that takes place against the government. -ment in urban areas. According to the security analyst, Naxalites played a significant role in causing unrest in places like Nandigram and Singur in West Bengal. Bank Robbery: Naxalites have also targeted banks to finance their activities. There have been several incidents of bank robberies in Naxalite-infested areas. Please refer to the text box below for examples of bank robberies in one of the Naxalite-infested states of India. Attacks and killings – Naxalites are involved in attacks on police forces and the killing of police informants, politicians, landowners and local businessmen. They are also involved in kidnapping for ransom. The priority targets of kidnappings are wealthy landowners, local businessmen, senior police officers and local politicians.