13 focus areas identified in Jharkhand to check Maoist

In a bid to check Maoist activities in certain pockets of Jharkhand, state police have identified 13 focus areas where several security measures and developmental initiatives have been taken, an official said.
"We have identified 13 focus areas. These areas are being secured, cleared and developmental initiatives like bridges, fair price shops, electricity are being taken up besides efforts to generate employment," Director General of Police D K Pandey told PTI.
The 13 focus areas are in the districts of Garhwa, Palamau, Chatra, Latehar, Gumla, Lohardaga, Bokaro, Giridih and the Santhal Pargana region.
"Parasnath Hills is one of the focus areas which we have succeeded in clearing before June. By the year end, we hope either they (Maoists) join the mainstream or surrender or we push them out of Jharkhand," the DGP added.

Development works are also on with a road being built till the top of Parasnath Hills. Three camps were set up to push the development work, the DGP said.
The state, which had in 2013 witnessed 550 Maoist related incidents, has seen a decline, with 516 and 458 incidents taking place in 2014 and 2015 respectively.