Vocational training for youths to keep them away from Maoists

Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu), Oct. 9 (ANI): To wean them away from the Maoists' influence, Tamil Nadu Police and district administration are imparting vocational training to the youth.

Bordering Karnataka in the west and Andhra Pradesh in the north, Krishnagiri district is an active base of the Maoists. The district administration in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri district are imparting training to the youth.

For recruitment in army, paramilitary forces and State police.

District officials are also going to carry a benchmark survey of people below poverty-line. They have also taken many initiatives to change the mind-set of the youth, particularly those 'influenced' by Maoist thoughts.

"After taking up the development programmes there has been a reduction in the influence of Naxalites and the PWG (People's War Group). People are now having friendly relations with the police. Police are successful in curbing Naxal activities," said Sudhakar, Superintendent of Police, Dharmapuri district.

Significantly, women are taking active part in the training camp.

People feel that vocational training is a hope for a better future for all of them and will stamp out the menace of Maoists from their region.

"I have applied for a job in the police. My ambition is to do something for our community. Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts were under the control of the Maoists. I want to bring an end to their terror," said Dhanam, a young girl.

Maoists control vast tracts of rural land in about a dozen states in east, central and parts of southern India. (ANI)