Medical camp set up in Maoist-affected area in Jharkhand

Maranghada (Jharkhand), Jan 17 (ANI): Officials of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have recently set up a medical camp and distributed free medicines to villagers in Maranghada, a Maoist-affected area of Jharkhand.

In an attempt to gain the trust of the tribals, and to take their help in combating Maoists in the region, the paramilitary force tried to involve locals in community policing to improve the relationship between them through a medical camp.

"They are our brothers and sacrifice their lives for us. They also do things for us and they also want to do something for the community. Some people have understood their gesture. Earlier people were afraid of them. When they see police they run away. Our area is very backward but the programme is really nice," said Sister Amanda, a nun.

Hundreds of locals and children visited the medical camp where they were given free treatment, medicines and school bags as gifts.

People appreciated the initiative taken by the police.

"Maoists have increased in number and it is because there is no good education for children here. There are no good schools in the area and when children complete their matriculation they wander aimlessly and then get involved in a bad company," said Rajaram.

In the recent past, the state has seen many Maoist killings and kidnappings, and the CRPF have been battling Maoists every day.

Maoist attacks have become more frequent this year, especially after the Central government launched 'Operation Green Hunt', a coordinated security offensive to flush out the ultras from their jungle hideouts in central and eastern states. (ANI)