Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) organized a programme in Jharkhand's Maoist affected Gumla District to motivate youth to effectively combat Maoism.
In a bid to counter the agenda of the Maoists among local youth, they organised a cycle race over the weekend with an aim to encourage the youth of Gumla District.
A participant, Suresh Urav, hoped that such programmes are organised more often so that they get an opportunity to exhibit their skills.
"I am very happy and I hope that such programmes are organised in my district so that we can showcase our skills to the outside world," he said.
The programme by the CRPF aimed to inculcate a sense of security by developing cordial relations and harnessing co-operation with villagers living in tribal areas.
CRPF commandant, Vijay Pratap Singh, said that they aimed to bridge the gap between the residents and the personnel.
"It is an appreciative step taken by the Gumla police with an aim to connect with the people and encourage them and specially the youth who are our future. If we divert their attention properly then our country can progress," said Singh.
The Maoists, who are considered to be India's greatest internal security threat, have off-late intensified their operations in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and some areas of West Bengal.
