Maoists appeal to security personnel in Bihar to join their movement - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Maoists are distributing leaflets in Bihar in which they have appealed to security force personnel to join their movement against the government, contending that it is a crusade in favour of the poor and the needy. The pamphlets were dropped near a camp of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gaya. However, officials have used this propaganda to divert attention. "They (Maoists) ambush the soldiers, implant bombs on their paths and blown them (soldiers) up. If they (Maoists) think that by making such appeals they would be able to garner the sympathies of soldiers, it is utter foolishness. They are doing this because they are losing on every front and their confidence has been broken," said Vijay Kumar, commandant of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 159 battalion. Maoist rebels, had on February 22, offered a conditional 72-day ceasefire through the media, and said they were willing to talk to the government if it aborts Operation Green Hunt. Many believe the offer was a ruse to enable them to regroup. The Maoists contend they are fighting for the rights of the poor, marginal farmers and the landless labourers.