Police show wonders of development to Chattisgarh tribals

Visakhapatnam: The paramilitary forces made a bold attempt to wean away the tribal youths from the Maoists by bringing them to the city to show the wonders of development and the life in the mainstream. The teenagers hailing from Maoist-dominated Abujmaad region in Chhattisgarh, who never saw a city, were brought here by the CRPF personnel. About 20 of them and members of under-19 football team of Abujmaad area on Monday said that their long cherished dream to visit Andhra Pradesh, particularly Vizag, finally came into reality with the novel initiation of Central Reserved Police Forces. The officials said the young sportspersons were brought here to show what peace meant to people and how much development could be achieved by adhering to law. Mesmerised by the beauty of the beaches, 14-year-old Gaurav Kumar said, `` I dreamt of Vizag but never thought I would walk here one day.'' Gaurav Kumar, striker of the football team, dreams of representing Indian football team. The young players are also interested to play at least on football match against any of the football club in Vizag to prove their talent. Commandant of 198 BT, CRPF, Visakhapatnam, Nisheet Kumar said IG of Southern Sector, CRPF, NRK Reddy had taken initiative to send the 40 boys, all local foot ball players of Abujmaad to the State for a four-day trip. He said 20 boys came to Vizag while the other 20 were sent to Hyderabad. During the four-days the teenagers would visit all the tourist spots including Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Dr D Ramanaidu Studio, industries and Simhachalam temple. Chandrasekhar and Amar Lal, admitted that for the first time they came out from darkness and watching a developed city. They said they would educate other youths about the need to develop Abujmaad. Bronze medalist in Asian Games 1975, Ch Pratap Kumar and members of Visakhapatnam District Football Association interacted with the boys and advised them to play soccer with a passion to get place in the national team.