18 Jan 2005
Police in Uttaranchal, are giving guerrilla combat training to its border units following fears that the increased violence and rebellion might spill over from neighbouring Nepal.
Last week, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba turned up the heat on the Maoists by announcing plans to push ahead with elections they oppose and at the same time intensify a crackdown.
The Maoists have vowed to “shatter” the vote, and are thought to be planning a major attack against the government to underline their point and mark the ninth anniversary of the start of their struggle in February, according to Nepal’s army.
India knows well the risks of a failed state on its porous borders and is stepping up support for the Nepali army, as well as efforts to arrest Maoist leaders on its soil.
Hundreds of Indian solider have fanned across the dense forests, often used by the Maoists rebels to take shelter, along the state’s 240 km-long porous border with Nepal.
“The motive behind the jungle training is that the militants and Maoists carry out their training activities in jungles. By living in jungles, we are learning to cope up with the natural climate of the jungle,” said Matloob Khan, a sepoy.
SS Negi, the commandant of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) said, that the jungle training was imperative in their fight against the rebels.
“Since recent months, the Maoists are creating a lot of problems. To study their activities and work strategy, we are conducting training here,” he said.
Police officials say that Nepal’s Maoists have established links with Maoist groups in India and they aim to set up a “Compact Revolutionary Zone” throughout Nepal and northern and eastern India. (ANI)
News Source: http://www.newkerala.com
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