The Central Reserve Police Force plans to launch a civic action plan programme in the Maoist hotbed of Munger, Jamui, Gaya, Aurangabad and other districts to effectively combat Left-wing extremism and to bridge the gap between villagers and security personnel.

CRPF inspector-general (Bihar) Manvinder Singh Bhatia chaired a meeting in this connection at the CRPF headquarters in Patna today. Deputy IG- and commandant-rank officials attended the meeting.

Under the CRPF's civic action programme, the central security agencies will start computer training institutes, motor vehicle driving institutes and motor vehicle repair institutes so that villagers in Naxalite-hit areas receive training. The CRPF IG, in a bid to bridge the gap between villagers and security personnel, also directed his officials to construct check dams so to promote agriculture and other agriculture allied activities such as animal husbandry and others.

The IG said: 'As part of the CRPF civic action plan, the security agencies have been directed to set up poultry farm at Bhimbandh, solar light arrangements and computer training institute at Chakarbandha. These two regions are in Maoist-hit areas.' Sources said the new initiative is also an effort by central agencies to strengthen its intelligence in Naxalite-hit areas.

Of 35 CRPF companies in Bihar, 29 operate in Naxalite-hit areas.Eighteen teams from the CoBRA 205 battalion are stationed in Gaya district, while nine teams from Cobra 207 battalion is stationed in Jamui.

The IG asked his officers to identify the reasons behind Naxalite problems in a better way and to work for solving the menace.

At the meeting attended by CRPF director-general (Bihar) H.S. Maal and other officers, the IG asked them to be alert on Naxalite activities and be prepared to avert any situation arising from Naxalite movements. Bhatia said: 'By strengthening the intelligence network in Naxalite-hit areas, we can check Left-wing extremism in Bihar.'

The security agencies were also directed to have extra precautions in the bordering areas of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Senior officers discussed on intensifying operations against Naxalites. Necessary guidelines were issued for security personnel patrolling in forests. The meeting assumes importance as according to CRPF sources, three pockets - the Jamui/Nawada/Giridih (triangular section), Gaya-Aurangabad section and Lakhisarai/ Munger/Banka/Jamui section - are still under Maoist influence. Sources said some of the Maoist leaders are active in these areas for decades and out of police clutches.