Indian and Nepalese Maoists have no links: Patil

New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil today told the Lok Sabha that the government has found no link between Maoists operating in Bihar and Jharkhand and those active in Nepal.

He, however, confirmed reports that Naxalites had made a budget of Rs 60 crore during 2007-08, allegedly for procurement of weapons and explosives.

The reports had been confirmed by the Jharkhand police after interrogating some arrested Naxalites, Mr Patil said.

The Home Minister was replying to queries raised by Mr Nikhal Kumar, (Congress), who was former Police Commissioner of Delhi.

Mr Kumar insisted that there were reports of Maoists operating in Indian areas bordering Nepal of developing links with Napalese Maoists posing danger particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Mr Patil said the Central Government has been sending teams of police officers to these vulnerable areas to assess the situation and provide assitance to the concerned states.

UNI JSS Mir HS1315