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Children in Maoist-infested areas of Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district carry bows and arrows to school, fearing attacks from the rebels. The terror of the rebels becomes a nightmare for tribal villages lying in afforested regions, and locals have to deal with this fear on an every day basis. According to locals, a few days back, the ultras tried to abduct girls coming from a place of work in Pocha Pani village of the district. Fearing more attacks, locals train their children to shoot arrows. Children were seen carrying bows and arrows for self-defence. Budhu Sabar, a local, said they are scared to send their children to school, as they are defenceless when attacked. "We are very scared, as this is a forest area, where the Maoist rebels are able to catch children as they are more vulnerable," he said. The children walk about two kilometers every day through dense forests to reach their school. They remain highly vigilant while passing through the forests and usually walk in groups. Sunil Kumar Bera, a principal of a school, said he had no reservations about children coming to school with bows and arrows. "The parents and guardians of the students send them with bows and arrows for their defence. So, we cannot stop them from doing so. If we do not allow them to come to school with bows and arrows and something happens to them, then what we will be answerable," he said.

Children carry bows and arrows to school, fearing Maoist attacks in Jharkhand