Arms-training for Jharkhand police officers

Ranchi, April 11 (ANI): Police officials in Jharkhand are being imparted a special arms-training exercise, to enable them to counter attacks by Maoist forces.

The training was found necessary in the wake of recent killings of 76 security personnel in an ambush in Chhattisgarh.

Officers in charge of 131 police stations located in Maoist-infested areas of Jharkhand are being trained in the operation of state-of-the-art weaponry. They are also being trained to anlayse intelligence inputs during the training.

"131 police officers from across Jharkhand are taking part in this training. After yesterday's session, the officers are being taught how to use weapons which are generally used in the field like AK-47s, INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) and their personal weapons, like revolvers and pistols," said Vinay Shukla, one of the trainee police officers of the Jharkhand Armed Police.

The training program is being conducted at the Bariatu firing range in Ranchi city.

The police officials felt that these training programs will help them face the Maoist menace in a better way.

"We were well alert earlier as well. But this training has provided that fineness that is required to handle situations. All the senior officials shared their experiences with us and we will try our best not to repeat the mistakes made earlier," said Vivek Singh, a police inspector.

Neyaz Ahmed, Director General of Police (DGP), Jharkhand, on Friday (April 09) had said that security forces are on high alert in the State following the attack on the Security Forces in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

He also said that they would further activate their intelligence wing to keep a tab on Maoists activities.

On Tuesday (April 6), Maoists had killed 76 security personnel in an ambush, by setting off explosives and firing from hilltops around a dense forest at Taadmetala village in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. (ANI)