CRPF wants J’khand, Bihar to rehabilitate 500 Naxal supporters

The CRPF has reportedly written to both Jharkhand and Bihar governments to rehabilitate more than 500-odd Maoist sympathisers who were identified and detained during various combing operations. The force has also proposed to categorise the sympathisers based on their educational qualifications and other required skills.

"The states had agreed to our proposal to divide them in different categories. They would be given either vocational training or financial aid or jobs," a senior official said.

The CRPF has claimed that in the last one year it has cleared over 5,000 sq km in Saranda, Gaaru and Burra Pahar areas of Maoist influence in Jharkhand and Bihar, which was followed by development projects. Officials say that the number of such sympathisers has been increasing and the state governments are yet to act.

Meanwhile, CRPF officials, on their own, have entered into tie-ups with NGOs to start skill development programmes for youths in Maoist-affected areas.

Young men are trained to develop mechanical and driving skills. Women are trained and deployed as security guards in urban areas or as caretakers at orphanages and old-age homes.

"For better results, security operations and development projects need to go simultaneously," an official said.

AISA march for 'justice' to Soni Sori

Members of the All India Students' Association took out a silent protest march demanding the release of Soni Sori, a tribal schoolteacher arrested by Chhattisgarh police and later allegedly tortured and sexually assaulted by them. Her case will be heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday. The students also demanded punishment for the Chhattisgarh policemen. ENS

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