Patna, May 26: Counter-insurgency and jungle warfare training have started for policemen in the state to thwart Maoist attacks in vulnerable districts.

“We have so far trained 3,000 policemen at the three counter-insurgency and jungle warfare schools in the state,” said inspector-general (operations) Amit Kumar, also in charge of anti-Naxalite cell at the police headquarters.

Retired army personnel have been hired as trainers to impart training to the policemen drawn from the districts. The three counter-insurgency and jungle warfare schools are operational in Gaya, Buxar and Rohtas districts, he added.

The headquarters has already proposed to raise 25 additional units of the special task force (STF) on the pattern of the Andhra Pradesh’s Greyhounds to deal with the Maoist menace. These units will be in addition to the 25 units that are already operational. The proposal, sent to the home department early this year, is awaiting an approval.

“We hope the proposal will get the cabinet seal soon,” said a senior police officer associated with anti-Naxalite operations in the state.