Maoists getting arms from China: Home Secretary

9 November 2009 No Comment

8 Nov : The government for the first time on Sunday announced China’s role, which is a “big supplier” of small weapons, in helping Maoists to access arms for the rebellious purpose.

Home Secretary G K Pillai, on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi said when asked if the Naxals were having links with China, “Chinese are big smugglers… suppliers of small arms. I am sure that the Maoists also get them.”

The Home Secretary said the government has no information that the Maoists have any links with China except getting arms. “I do not think so, except getting arms,” he told reporters.

Pillai, however, did not elaborate whether the Maoists were getting arms from Chinese arms smugglers or official agencies.

Home Minister P Chidambaram had told in an interview last month to media that the Maoists are acquiring weapons through Bangladesh, Myanmar and possibly Nepal.

“We know now that the weapons are coming through Bangladesh and Myanmar and possibly Nepal. The border is very porous. The Indo-Nepal border is a very porous border.” he had said.