PATNA: Indian police have ordered the deportation of 10 French nationals who they say worked with a non-governmental organisation that supports Maoist militants.

Police official Paras Nath said the French nationals violated their tourist visas by working for Unity Forum in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

Nath said the group was flown to New Delhi on Monday and would be deported.

The French nationals were detained in a densely forested area of Bihar where Unity Forum had organised a meeting of local farmers.

Unity Forum says it works to protect the land and water rights of the poor.

The Maoist militants say they are inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong and are demanding land and jobs for impoverished tribal communities.