Politicians can move freely in Maoist-pockets in Jharkhand

Politicians won't be asked to change their routes in Jharkhand unless there was specific input about Maoist threat

With an aim to prevent the Left wing extremism (LWE) from exploiting any political vacuum at the grassroots, the police would not ask political leaders to change their programmes or routes in Jharkhand unless there is any "specific input" about Maoist threat.

"They (politicians) can go wherever they want but they should keep us informed (to keep a close vigil and providing adequate security)," Additional Director General of Police S N Pradhan told PTI here today.

"If it is absolutely necessary following specific inputs about any danger (then only) we will advise them to change the programme or route," the ADGP said.

Asked whether it was a new advisory, he said the police got a feedback from the politicians that they should move freely in their areas.

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who visits naxal strong-holds every fortnight in Maoist-affected states, have been suggesting that politicians should not 'leave any vacuum' at the grassroots to LWE exploitation and they should strengthen democracy through continuous political activities.

In the multi-pronged strategies to curb LWE, the government recently reviewed its surrender policy, a total of 40 personnel of Jharkhand Jaguar are undergoing vigorous training on the pattern of Grey Hounds of Andhra Pradesh and officials are being asked not to abdicate their place of posting following naxal fear.