Patna, May 10: The state human resources development (HRD) department has started the process of removing security forces from school buildings.

They had occupied the buildings for security reasons.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar had directed the authorities to get all the schools, which are in possession of security forces vacated.

The chief minister in first week of April issued a directive to the authorities to vacate all the schools, which are being occupied by security personnel for security purpose at Naxalite dominated areas.

The chief minister while issuing the directive at the meeting of Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC) pointed out that several schools, particularly in Maoists-affected areas, have turned into police camps, inviting Naxalite attacks.

The chief minister’s message was clear because when security forces occupy school buildings they not only invite Naxalite attacks but also hamper the studies of students studying in the these schools.

State human resources development minister P.K. Shahi told The Telegraph: “The removing of security forces from school buildings is in process. The department has written letters to the respective district magistrates and other administrative offices for vacating security forces from school buildings.”

The minister also said that the removal of security personnel from school building cannot be taken in haste unless district administration provide an alterative arrangement for the security personnel.

Shahi said: “As these security personnel carry arms and ammunition, till their final accommodation problem is sorted out we cannot take any decision.”

As per data available with Bihar police around 40 school building were blown up by security forces in the year 2008-2010.

The majority of school buildings that were blown up were in Naxalite affected districts of Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Sheohar and Jamui.

Sources said school-students of a village in Gaya had distributed pamphlets among villagers urging the Naxalites not to blow up school building.