Tuesday, March 7 2006 15:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bahraich: The Special Task Force of Uttar Pradesh police has been directed to investigate and keep a vigil on the reported attempts by Nepali Maoists to cross the border to acquire weapons and other materials.

The STF had been asked to collect 'specific information' following reports about attempts by Maoists to purchase weapons and other material from this side of the border, Director-General of Police Yashpal Singh told reportes here last night.

He said the police chiefs of all bordering districts had been asked to maintain utmost vigil in this regard and three STF units were set up in Gorakhpur, Bareilly and Agra for the purpose.

Separate units had also been formed in Naxalite-infested Sonebhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli districts, he added.