This Article is From Mar 12, 2010

Naxal camp for cameras: Real or propaganda?

Raipur: Sometimes it is important to put on a show of power.  That's exactly what the Naxal leaders are putting on in Narayanpura. A reminder that their stranglehold in the region is not lost. The question is, is it power or just a show?

A video was sent to NDTV's Raipur office and a phone call followed: This is a Naxal training camp held last week in the forests near Narayanpura.

Nearly 150 young men and women mostly from the tribal hamlets around took part in it.

In the video, one can see them training in weaponry and guerrilla warfare.

The police here say Naxals are on a back foot as the government crackdown strengthens and support of tribals and civil society reduces.

Hence, they have released a propaganda video to establish that they are still powerful.

R K Vij, Spokesperson of the Chhattisgarh Police: "This is not the first time that Naxals have conducted a training camp. They have done it many times before. Very regularly young men and women have joined their cadre. Of late though, the recruitment drive has weakened. Fewer youngsters are joining the Naxals."

Whether this is propaganda video or a real camp, Naxal activity so close to a fortified police district like Narayanpura has raised concerns.
 
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