Ex-Armymen training Maoists: Cops

RANCHI: Maoists in Jharkhand are being trained in guerrilla and jungle warfare by former Army personnel, the state police claim. Police say the shocking revelation was made by a hardcore Maoist, Shankar Bhuiyan alias Sanjay Ram, who was arrested at Latehar in Jharkhan on August 28.

Bhuiyan was one of the Maoist sub-zonal commanders who led the attack on police stations at Nayagarh in Orissa in February. During a search operation at his hideout, the police stumbled upon a training manual of Maoists. The 200-page book divided into two sections contained minute details of planning and assault strategy in different terrains.

The books have graphical and pictorial depiction that would help even a layman understand how to use a particular weapon and the strategy to be adopted under different situations.

Jharkhand police spokesperson S N Pradhan said: “After going through the books and documents it can be said with certainty that experts having years of experience in military warfare are training the rebel cadre. Because no one can make such a meticulous training programme,’’ Pradhan said.