Patna, Aug. 2: The Maoists operating in Rohtas-Kaimur region in the state are no more opposed to the development projects undertaken by the government.

“We are not opposed to construction of roads and schools in rural areas. It is a misnomer that the Maoists are trying to hamper the development works in influential pockets,” Yamuna, the self-proclaimed secre tary of Sone-Ganga Vindhyachal zone of the CPI(Maoist), said.

Yamuna told reporters at Banda village, where three members of Rajbhar community were killed on July 30, that the government officials were spreading canard against the Maoists and creating confusion in the minds of the rural masses.

He said the Maoists were against the financial irregularities in the execution of schemes meant for the poor, and were not against the projects.

“We punish the public servants for indulging in corrupt practices and depriving the poor of the benefits of the schemes,” he added.

When asked why the Maoists blew up the school buildings, Yamuna, who took the command of the outfit after the murder of Rana (zonal commander), said explosions were triggered in the institutions housing the security forces.

The residents Budhwakala village, however, said teachers posted in the school seldom turn up fearing Maoist violence.

“The teachers have a lame excuse — the Maoists will eliminate us,” said Sahu Patel.

“The teachers do not come to take classes though they are paid their salary regularly,” said Ram Lakhan Singh.

The residents said altogether seven teachers were posted at Budhwaklan SC/ST residential school. Sixty students are enrolled there.

“Educated people of the village take classes in the absence of the teachers,” said another resident Ram Lal Singh.

Similar is the situation at Naga Toli residential school. At Soli residential school, 13 teachers are posted.

Of them, only two teachers come to the school on a regular basis.