Authorities in Jharkhand launch anti-Maoist campaign

Palamu (Jharkhand), Dec 23 (ANI): The state police in Palmau region of Jharkhand has taken up a mass contact programme under which the youngsters are prevented from being lured by the Maoists and also enlightened on the ill-effects of taking up arms to indulge in insurgency.

This campaign is a part of the two-pronged strategy adapted by the authorities. One is upgrading the police force while the other is creating awareness about the dangers of supporting and indulging in militancy.

"naxalites advocate that they will be changing the face of the whole world. They just try to lure more and more youths to join them. Later on, they even exploit and misguide them. We just want the youth of today to know the real face of Maoists. That's why we have printed such posters to create awareness about misdeeds of Maoists," said Ashwini Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palmau.

A common sight in Palmau district are posters on walls and at vantage points like railway stations, bus stands and markets, which speak of the misdeeds of Maoists.

The police department is determined to create positive notions in the minds of the masses so that they will stop supporting Maoist groups, particularly in rural areas.

"Police in Palmau is doing a good job. By this practice, the police personnel are saving the future of all the youth here as the youngsters have a tendency of getting inclined towards Maoism. By this awareness campaign, people of Palmau will develop trust in the police and the legitimate state administration," said Prabhat Kumar, a villager.

The Jharkhand police is confident that soon the objectives of the mass contact programme will be achieved.

The authorities want the youth of Jharkhand villages to be educated and take up a suitable vocation instead of joining Maoist forces.

In Jharkhand, Palmau is among the hub of Maoists, particularly in the rural areas. y Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)