Tuesday, November 15 2005 14:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Manoj Kandu, sub-zonal area commander of the proscribed Communist Party of India (CPI) (Maoist), who was injured in accidental bomb explosion in last night's naxalite operation in Jehanabad, said today (Nov 15, 2005) that 'comrades' from Andhra Pradesh too participated in the daring attack.

Kandu, who is admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital, said a large number of naxalites who participated in the raid were given training in forests in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand for about two months but were informed about yesterday's operation just a few days back.

He said around 150 to 200 hardcore activists of the organisation were split into small groups for training in use of firearms and bombs.

The naxalite leader charged the civil authorities, police and even judiciary with being hand in glove with the mafia and those affluent.

"The mafia, scamster and those affluent get away with anything but the poor and the unemployed languish in jails despite being ordered to be released on bail by courts. We want to end this tyranny and injustice", he said.

Kandu, who could barely speak due to excruciating pain, while speaking to a group of reporters described the naxalite strike as part of a 'historic fight' and said they had succeeded in their goal of rescuing fellow comrades and taking hostage the 'oppressors' of Ranvir Sena, a militia of upper caste landowners.